Rabat – Spain has rejected claims targeting Morocco and FIFA, as a new report claimed that FIFA president Gianni Infantino allegedly blackmailed Rabat over the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for support for his re-election.
The news came after The Times report, which sparked frustration over the allegations, although FIFA refuted them.
Spain’s Minister of Sports, Milagros Tolón, also conveyed her country’s first official response to the claims during an interview on Hora 25.
In her answer, the Spanish official said the country was surprised to see the report, emphasizing that the most important thing is that FIFA already denied it.
“We are working closely with FIFA, and our next meeting is scheduled for September. FIFA has been very clear and categorical in rejecting this report. We will continue working because we want, and believe it should be, that the World Cup final is held in Spain,” she said.
She also recalled her team’s World Cup victory, which she believes is another reason why Spain should host the tournament final.
“We have just won the World Cup—not only the men’s tournament but also the women’s. Spain led the joint World Cup bid together with Portugal, and Morocco joined later. I remain confident that the final will be played in Spain,” she added.
She cited “common sense,” arguing that Spain has advantages that make it well suited to host the final, adding that her country has extensive experience hosting major events. She cited the security conditions needed for such events, in addition to modern transport and communication networks.
The same features she mentioned have been part of reports and statements from high-level officials, including FIFA and CAF, commending Morocco for hosting prestigious events and successful sporting competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between December 2025 and January 2026.
“I am convinced FIFA will choose Spain to host the final,” she said.
Anti-Morocco rhetoric on the rise
The remarks came as many political parties, especially far-right politicians, are demanding Spain’s withdrawal from the World Cup, linking it to the situation surrounding the Ceuta mass crossing.
“We respect those opinions. We are a coalition government, and sometimes we have differences. As a government, however, we support this World Cup, and we believe it will be an important opportunity to showcase our country,” she said.
Morocco has been the target of similar anti-Morocco sentiment and hatred from politicians and religious personnel.
A priest has recently incited violence against Rabat, calling for “bombing Rabat,” without an investigation to hold him accountable.
Many politicians also target Rabat and accuse it of arbitrarily making the recent Ceuta crossing accessible for migrants to pressure Spain.
Morocco’s government responded to the claims, emphasizing its commitment to migration policy and its efforts in tackling a serious and dangerous situation as a strong ally, as recognized by the international community.
Government sources also emphasized Morocco is not Europe’s concierge, stressing that the situation is a shared responsibility and that Rabat should not bear the consequences of the Spanish Supreme Court decision on hot returns, which dismantled a whole system tackling the crisis.
Regarding the World Cup final, Morocco has been rejecting claims, especially from Spanish officials, that the final is determined to take place in Spain.
FIFA will take the decision, Morocco has insisted, emphasizing, amid Spanish media frustration, that Rabat has been working tirelessly to modernize its football infrastructure.
