Spanish opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo has called for Spain to withdraw from co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup if Morocco is chosen to host the tournament’s final.
Feijoo, who heads the conservative People’s Party, expressed his position during an interview with Spanish football programme El Chiringuito on Thursday. He argued that Spain should either host the final or reconsider its involvement in organizing the competition.
When asked whether Spain should pull out if Morocco secured the hosting rights for the final, Feijoo gave a clear confirmation. He added that he would pursue this approach if elected prime minister after Spain’s November 29 general election.
The opposition leader maintained that awarding the final to Spain would be justified because of its experience in hosting major international sporting events. He also pointed out that Spain and Portugal had originally prepared the joint World Cup bid before Morocco became a partner.
Reinforcing his position in a post on X on Friday, Feijoo called for protecting Spain’s national dignity and argued that the country should not accept being treated disrespectfully. He insisted that hosting the final was Spain’s rightful claim and that the nation should not face international embarrassment.
FIFA Yet to Announce Final Venue
Spain, Portugal and Morocco have been officially selected as the main hosts of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will each organize one centenary match to mark 100 years since the inaugural tournament in Uruguay in 1930.
Spain’s renovated Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid is considered a leading candidate for the final. Morocco, meanwhile, is promoting its proposed Grand Stade Hassan II in Benslimane, close to Casablanca.
The Moroccan stadium is expected to hold approximately 115,000 spectators, potentially placing it among the largest football venues worldwide.
In September, Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa expressed confidence that Morocco would host the final, intensifying the disagreement surrounding the venue.
However, FIFA has clarified that no final decision has been taken and that the selection will be announced at an appropriate time. Both the Spanish government and the country’s football federation have previously stated their preference for Spain to stage the championship match.
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