FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reportedly offered Morocco the opportunity to host the final of the 2030 World Cup. This offer comes as he seeks support ahead of a significant executive meeting in Rabat, Morocco, amidst increasing pressure on his leadership.
The reported offer suggests that Morocco would host the final if they publicly endorse Infantino. The final is currently anticipated to be held at the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. However, reports indicate that Infantino has promised the final would be staged at the Hassan II, an under-construction 115,000-seat stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, according to unnamed sources.
Executive Meeting and Leadership Challenges
Infantino has called senior FIFA figures to a meeting in Rabat on Wednesday. This gathering follows public criticism from individuals such as FIFA’s chief of global football development Arsene Wenger, Jordanian Football Association president Prince Ali, and FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom regarding a controversial scheme proposed by Infantino.
The proposed plan involved offering payments of $40 million to member associations in exchange for their endorsement of selling a 20% stake in future tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, to external investors. This was to be achieved through the establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a subsidiary valued at $20 billion. Grafstrom is expected to attend the crisis talks, alongside other senior FIFA board members including finance chief Thomas Peyer, legal chief Emilio Garcia Silvero, chief of staff Daniel O’Toole, chief of member associations Elkhan Mammadov, and media relations director Bryan Swanson.
Wenger issued a statement indicating he was not involved in this strategic plan and became aware of it through media reports. He emphasized the necessity of withdrawing the project, stating his belief in an independent FIFA that operates with commitment, transparency, and integrity. Grafstrom also commented on the failed proposal, noting that “individuals come and go” as pressure mounts on Infantino.
Widespread Opposition to Proposed Scheme
The comments from Wenger and Grafstrom followed claims from UEFA that FIFA had “lost UEFA’s confidence.” This was in response to a statement from the FIFA president announcing the abandonment of the plans. UEFA, the European governing body, has also questioned Infantino‘s position ahead of the March 2027 FIFA Congress, where he is up for re-election.
In a statement concerning the World Cup investment plan, UEFA thanked various entities that opposed the scheme, asserting that football is not for sale. UEFA described Infantino‘s proposal as a “shabby, back room, opaque deal” that lacked transparency. The statement further indicated that the current FIFA leadership had lost the confidence of UEFA and many other members of the football community. UEFA committed to working with its associations and other confederations to review the situation and prevent similar occurrences.
The FA has also supported UEFA’s stance, calling for a “robust review” of FIFA’s leadership and governance to ensure transparent operation for the benefit of all 211 member nations. Infantino had previously stated that the proposal had “created divisions” and was “no longer in the interest” of the concept, confirming its withdrawal.
Immediate pushback against the idea included UEFA’s announcement that its member nations would not participate in any World Cup if the plan proceeded. Similar declarations were made by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also suggested that Infantino was no longer suitable for the role.
FIFA’s chief operating officer Kevin Lamour stated that FIFA’s administration had been “deceived” regarding the proposal. Infantino’s adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned, describing the idea as “a bad deal for football” that would “mortgage football’s future.”
Future of the 2030 World Cup and FIFA Presidency
The 2030 World Cup is planned to be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the initial three matches taking place in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to commemorate the tournament’s 100th anniversary. Spanish Football Association president Rafael Louzán has previously stated that Spain would lead the 2030 World Cup and host the final, a position he has maintained.
Infantino’s U-turn on the proposal may have been influenced by the clear lack of sufficient backing. He would have needed a majority of FIFA’s 211 member associations to support his plan. With UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC collectively holding 136 votes, the numbers were not in his favour. Governing bodies in Africa and Oceania indicated they would consider the plan in August, while the South American Football Confederation requested additional information.
Real Madrid welcomed FIFA’s decision to abandon the original proposal, expressing gratitude to UEFA, confederations, and federations for their unified opposition. The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 2027 in Morocco.
Source: tntsports.co.uk