Spanish news outlet Marca has revealed updates regarding the allocation of stadiums between Madrid, Rabat, and Lisbon to host the 2030 World Cup, saying that Spain has the largest share with 11 stadiums while Morocco has 6 stadiums and Portugal has only three.
The Spanish news outlet, citing FIFA as a source, stated that the chosen stadiums in Morocco to host the World Cup will be situated in the cities of Rabat, Tangier, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, and Fes.
Marca also pointed out that the negotiations regarding the number and distribution of stadiums among the three hosting countries were centered on quality rather than quantity. This is why Spain emerged with the lion’s share.
Hespress AR reached out to a source within the Moroccan Royal Federation of Football (FRMF) for clarification, who said that the federation “cannot comment on the media reports regarding the stadium allocation.”
The same source further explained that the official announcement regarding this matter will be made jointly by the three countries involved.
This division has raised concerns among sports observers, who deem it “unfair” and worry that it could potentially undermine Morocco’s opportunities to reap adequate benefits from these matches.
“This division is completely unfair and makes no sense at all. Spain is getting the lion’s share of matches, while Morocco and Portugal are left with modest portions,” grumbled Aziz Belboudali, a sports expert, in a statement to Hespress Ar.
He further highlighted that “this division should not be finalized in this manner unless there is negotiation and assurance of Morocco’s interests in securing significant matches that will draw a large number of spectators.
The expert went on to suggest that the explanation for this division could be that Morocco may potentially be given the honor of hosting either the opening or final match, which are considered the most prestigious in the World Cup.
He emphasized that Morocco has significant qualifications to host a great number of matches in multiple stadiums, not just six, stressing that “We cannot believe what the Spanish press is saying until an official statement is released by the Royal Federation.”
Belboudali added that the number of these stadiums can increase, based on the negotiation process through which Morocco aims to safeguard its interests.
On his part, Hicham Ramram, a sports expert, said that there “is a great logic in what Marca stated.”
“Logically speaking, Spain has great readiness, and having six stadiums for Morocco is a positive aspect that could lead to hosting numerous matches,” he said, in a statement to Hespress Ar.
Ramram further elaborated, saying, “FIFA is not the one responsible for dividing the matches, but rather the three countries that previously formed a joint committee,” adding that “Portugal has previously stated its inability to host matches beyond the capacity of three stadiums.”
He emphasized that “what Marca disclosed was completely aligned with the current context of negotiations and statements made by the three parties.”
The expert noted that “Morocco wants to assert itself and aspires to host the final match.” The distribution of stadiums “cannot become official without the consent of Morocco and the fulfillment of conditions that the Kingdom has previously set before entering into the joint bid.”
He emphasized that “having six stadiums is not an easy task, and Morocco is working diligently within its means.” “These six stadiums will be ready for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and will host World Cup matches thereafter,” concluded the interview.
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