Doha – Argentine news outlet Infobae, citing Spanish radio sports program “El Larguero,” has claimed that FIFA is considering removing Fez’s Grand Stadium from the 2030 World Cup venue list.
The report, published on January 16, suggests that FIFA, under Gianni Infantino’s leadership, considers the current 20 venues excessive and is “contemplating the possibility of removing three stadiums – two from Spain and one from Morocco, with Fez being the potential Moroccan venue to be dropped.”
The media outlet did not provide any further explanations regarding the reasons behind potentially dropping the Fez venue, stating only that “to date, nothing is confirmed.”
However, despite these speculations, official documentation and ongoing developments paint a different picture.
According to Morocco’s World Cup bid dossier, the Fez stadium project has received a FIFA evaluation score of 4.1 out of 5, positioning it among the stronger venue candidates in the Moroccan portfolio.
The stadium is currently undergoing an extensive two-phase renovation program supervised by the National Society for Sports Infrastructure Management (SONARGES).
The first phase, which began in January 2024, focuses on modernizing changing rooms, main entrances, and interior facilities in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The second phase, scheduled to commence after the continental tournament, includes significant structural modifications.
These renovations will remove the athletic track, lower the playing field, install complete roof coverage, and modernize parking facilities with increased capacity. The project is set for completion by 2028, well ahead of the World Cup.
The renovation will expand the stadium’s capacity from its current 35,000 to 55,800 seats, making it Morocco’s fourth-largest venue for the 2030 World Cup.
Notable architectural features include a distinctive glass facade, which is already largely complete and designed to provide natural lighting.
Beyond stadium renovations, Moroccan authorities launched a comprehensive city-wide preparation initiative in July 2024.
Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced an “urgent” action plan focusing on all material, logistical, and infrastructure requirements set forth by FIFA.
The plan, developed in coordination with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), addresses essential transportation, accommodation, connectivity, and sports infrastructure projects throughout Fez.
Regular monitoring meetings are being conducted to ensure the city’s development stays on track with FIFA’s stringent quality standards.
Morocco’s World Cup venue portfolio includes six stadiums: the Hassan II Stadium in Benslimane (115,000 capacity), Prince Moulay Abdallah Complex in Rabat (68,700), Tangier Grand Stadium (75,600), Marrakech Grand Stadium (45,860), Agadir Grand Stadium (46,000), and the Fez Grand Stadium (55,800).
The joint Morocco-Spain-Portugal bid received an overall FIFA evaluation score of 4.2 out of 5, exceeding minimum requirements for hosting the tournament.
The bid proposes 20 venues across the three countries, with plans for 101 matches to be played between June 13 and July 21, 2030.
Read also: 2030 World Cup: Is Morocco’s Economy Ready for a $5 Billion Event?
