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Doha – The ongoing scandal involving the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and its former president, Luis Rubiales, has raised concerns about Spain’s bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Morocco.
According to a report by the Spanish sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the recent developments at the RFEF headquarters have sent shockwaves through FIFA, the world’s governing body of football.
The joint bid from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco just unveiled its official logo on Tuesday, featuring symbols representing the sun, the sea, and football. However, the recent events surrounding the RFEF have put the Spanish federation under intense scrutiny, with FIFA closely monitoring the situation and considering potential actions.
FIFA’s intervention and potential consequences
Following the scandal involving Luis Rubiales at the Women’s World Cup final last summer, where he inappropriately touched his genitals and kissed player Jenni Hermoso without consent, FIFA had already intervened by suspending Rubiales for three years.
Now, with the latest judicial operation targeting the RFEF for alleged crimes related to corruption in business, mismanagement, and money laundering, FIFA is once again compelled to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
According to Mundo Deportivo, one of the options being considered is for FIFA to intervene in the organization of the 2030 World Cup. The governing body of world football has come under fire for allowing Spain and the RFEF to co-host the tournament despite the Spanish federation’s recurring scandals.
Potential shift of the World Cup final to Morocco
Among the drastic measures being discussed, one possibility is that Spain and the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in Madrid may lose the privilege of hosting the World Cup final, with Morocco potentially taking over as the host nation for the tournament’s grand finale.
In an extreme scenario, which has not yet been fully assessed as the investigation is in the early stages, Spain could even be excluded from the joint bid altogether.
The upcoming FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, scheduled for May 17, is expected to provide more clarity on FIFA’s stance regarding the situation.
FIFA has previously intervened and taken action against major football federations, such as those in Argentina, Uruguay, and Greece, setting a precedent for its involvement in such matters.
Morocco’s readiness to host the final
In an interview with the Spanish newspaper Marca, Fouzi Lekjaa, the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), discussed the potential venues for the 2030 World Cup final. Lekjaa stated that the final match would be a grand celebration, whether it takes place at the new 115,000-capacity stadium in Casablanca or the 85,000-seater Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid.
“The new Casablanca stadium will be built with a capacity of 115,000 spectators, and we have the new Bernabéu, which has a capacity of 85,000 spectators, but nothing has been decided yet. We want it to be a celebration, whether it’s here or there; there is still time,” Lekjaa told Marca.
The FRMF president also emphasized the power of football, arguing that the 2030 World Cup has the potential to reunite the histories of Morocco and Spain, fostering the development of two great civilizations that have built this part of the world together.
As the situation unfolds, the football world eagerly awaits FIFA’s decision on the fate of the 2030 World Cup bid and the potential implications for Spain’s involvement in the tournament. The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of this prestigious sporting event and the roles of the co-hosting nations.
