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Rabat – The President of the Spanish Royal Federation Luis Rubiales has revealed that Ukraine, which was thought to have been replaced by Morocco, is still part of the Morocco-Spain-Portugal bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
“We are working every day at all levels so that Spain, Portugal, Ukraine, and Morocco can organize the World Cup in 2030,” Rubiales wrote in an open letter published by Spanish media.
He added that he is “now more convinced than ever that Spain will host this World Cup,” expressing his hope for the four federations’ joint work to be “recognized” and come to fruition.
“We have created a very attractive and impeccably prepared multinational bid,” Rubiales emphasized.
Many football fans were taken aback by Rubiales’ statement regarding Ukraine’s participation in the bid, as it has previously been reported that Morocco was replacing the East European country after its federation became involved in an alleged corruption scandal.
Read also: Spain Has High Expectations For 2030 World Cup Bid with Morocco, Portugal
During a press conference in October 2022, football officials from Ukraine, Spain, and Portugal announced that Ukraine had teamed up with the Iberian bid to host the global competition in 2030.
However, Ukraine’s participation came into question as a result of the corruption lawsuit, prompting Portugal and Spain to search for a replacement. Many reports suggested that Morocco’s definitive inclusion in the Iberian bid would depend on the outcomes of the case involving the Ukrainian federation.
Last month, during the CAF President Outstanding Achievements Awards Ceremony in Rwanda, Morocco’s Minister of Sports Chakib Benmoussa announced that Morocco had officially joined the Iberian World Cup bid, with no mention of Ukraine.
“I would like to announce, before this assembly, that the Kingdom of Morocco has decided, together with Spain and Portugal, to present a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup,” Benmoussa said, reading a message from King Mohammed VI.
