FIFA Denies Claims of Promised Support to Morocco for World Cup Final

The President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, is facing significant scrutiny following the failure of his investor plan. Recent reports suggested that Infantino had promised Morocco the opportunity to host the final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a claim made by the English newspaper "The Times." According to this report, Infantino was allegedly seeking public support in his power struggle at the helm of FIFA in exchange for this promise. However, FIFA has firmly denied these allegations, labeling them as incorrect and misleading.

In a statement to the press, FIFA clarified, "It is false and misleading to claim that the FIFA President has made any promises regarding the hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. A decision will be made by FIFA in due course." This denial comes amidst a backdrop of increasing tension, particularly from Spain and Europe, following the controversial and ultimately rejected investor deal that had put Infantino under fire.

Spain, along with Portugal and Morocco, is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup, with initial matches scheduled to be played in South America, specifically Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. The Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid has been considered the frontrunner for hosting the final match; however, the Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, which is under construction and will boast a capacity of 115,000 upon completion, would become the largest football stadium in the world if selected.

On Wednesday, Infantino convened an emergency meeting with senior staff at the FIFA Africa office in Salé, located just outside Morocco's capital, Rabat. The crisis stems from the failure of his plan to sell stakes in FIFA tournaments to private investors, leading to a significant erosion of his support within the organization. Several close aides have publicly distanced themselves from the 56-year-old leader, as has UEFA, the European football governing body. Reports indicate that Infantino is actively working to encourage countries to issue public statements of support for his presidency.

Additionally, the number of participating teams in the upcoming World Cup remains a topic of discussion. The recent tournament held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada featured 48 national teams for the first time, and Infantino is now advocating for an expansion to 64 teams in the 2030 event.

As reported by t-online.de.