World Cup
FIFA denies Infantino offered 2030 World Cup final to Morocco
In a terse press briefing, Spanish Minister of Sport Milagros Tolón addressed swirling rumours about the 2030 World Cup final. She said none of the three host nations – Spain, Portugal and Morocco – have received any definitive allocation yet.
The World Football Federation (FIFA) issued a formal denial that its president, Gianni Infantino, offered Morocco the final match of the 2030 tournament in exchange for political support. The claim had been reported by The Times.
According to the FIFA statement, no such proposal was ever made to Morocco. The federation stressed that all decisions on the tournament’s venue remain under its own discretion.
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Milagros Tolón reiterated the lack of clarity, emphasizing that the three organising countries are still awaiting a concrete decision from FIFA. She added that the uncertainty allows the governing body to adjust the allocation at its leisure.
The alleged bargain was said to involve support for Infantino’s re‑election campaign scheduled for 2027. The denial implies that any such quid‑pro‑quo would be unfounded.
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Tolón concluded the briefing with a pointed remark, “We deserve that final,” underscoring Spain’s ambition to host the marquee match.
The episode highlights the political undercurrents surrounding the World Cup bidding process, especially as Infantino seeks another term as FIFA president next year.