De la Fuente takes the World Cup to Ceuta, sparking Moroccan controversy
On Friday, the coach of the Spanish national team Luis de la Fuente and the president of the RFEF, Rafael Louzán, arrived at the Ceuta Assembly to deliver the World Cup trophy and express their support for the city that has been suffering a crisis since July 30.
Message of support from the national team
In the Assembly Palace they were received by Juan Jesús Vivas, president of the Autonomous Community, to whom they presented the World Cup trophy. The federation wanted Ceuta to be the first city of the tour that will travel across various towns in Spain. During the ceremony, Luis de la Fuente reiterated his pride in sharing the success of Spanish football.
Luis de la Fuente declared: “Today is a day in which I am excited, proud and grateful, because you have given us the possibility to be here with you in very tough moments for the city.” He added that he wanted to “bring the spirit and the drive of an entire country, of all of Spain… we are with you very united.”
The coach explained that his goal is to “give visibility to the most important aspects that football conveys,” such as sacrifice and solidarity, and praised the citizens of Ceuta for becoming “idols” because of their strength and example for all of Spain.
Juan Jesús Vivas, after receiving a hug from Luis de la Fuente and Rafael Louzán, thanked the visit saying that Ceuta has become “the epicenter of Spanish and European current affairs.” He emphasized that football is a phenomenon of enormous significance that unites all Spaniards and that, when the national team wins, “we all win.” He added that on July 19 he felt very close to the people of Ceuta and to Spaniards.
Louzán demands from Ceuta that Spain host the 2030 World Cup
Rafael Louzán stated that his presence was “an injection of breath and encouragement to a city that has been suffering a lot for a month.” VI. He assured that the RFEF’s visit aims to “be with those who suffer and with those who are having a hard time,” reinforcing support for the community.
The local leader affirmed that, “a few days after winning the World Cup, we suffered the biggest blow in this city’s history,” and that the federation helps to “send the message that Ceuta is not for sale and Ceuta is defended.” He also praised Luis de la Fuente for his humility and for valuing people.
Moroccan criticisms and political dimension
Le 360, a Moroccan digital outlet linked to the secretary of King Mohamed VI, criticized the visit, labeling it the politicization of sport. According to Europa Press, the outlet titled its article “World Cup 2030: Louzán and De la Fuente in Sebta, Spanish football is politicized at the highest level.” It argued that Spain, partner of Morocco in organizing World Cup 2030, shows “more difficulties in seeing its neighbor as such.” The text mentions “political statements, media pressure and an almost obsessive campaign” around the selection of the final venue.
The controversy highlights how football, beyond its sporting dimension, becomes an instrument of social support and, at the same time, a field of international tensions when it intertwines with major events such as the World Cup.