FIFA Denies Morocco Deal Amid Re-Election Crisis
FIFA has denied a report that president Gianni Infantino promised Morocco the right to host the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for support ahead of his re-election bid. The Times reported that Infantino offered the concession because Morocco has remained one of his closest allies since he took charge of world football’s governing body. However, FIFA rejected the claim in a social media statement, calling it false and misleading, and noted that no decision has been made on the final’s location yet. Morocco, Spain and Portugal will jointly host the 2030 tournament, and Spanish federation president Rafael Louzán has separately argued the final should take place in Spain. Morocco’s football association has not responded publicly to the report. Meanwhile, Infantino is reportedly concerned that Saudi Arabia, historically one of his strongest backers and the host of the 2034 World Cup, has withheld public support for his re-election bid.
FIFA Board Voices Support Amid Re-Election Crisis
Despite the controversy, FIFA also released a statement describing constructive and positive talks in Morocco, where leadership reportedly reaffirmed support for Infantino. Secretary general Mattias Grafström attended the meeting, though FIFA did not specify which other board members were present. Infantino called the emergency session this week as criticism mounted following a leaked plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors through a program called FIFA Forward Enterprise. UEFA had threatened to boycott the tournament over the plan before FIFA ultimately withdrew it. In its statement, FIFA acknowledged mistakes made but also warned it will no longer tolerate attacks on its integrity. That warning follows growing dissent, including Wales, Sweden and Serbia withdrawing support for Infantino’s re-election, with England expected to follow suit. Former adviser Carlos Cordeiro also resigned over the proposal, and former Arsenal manager Luís Figo publicly called for Infantino to resign, saying he had lost the confidence of FIFA’s senior staff. Infantino faces re-election in March 2027, though no rival candidate has yet emerged.
