Neither Camp Nou nor Bernabéu: Infantino promises the World Cup final to Morocco in exchange for support

BarcelonaGianni Infantino would be willing to hand over the organization of the 2030 World Cup final to Morocco in exchange for guaranteeing the support of the Moroccan federation and, by extension, the bulk of all African federations for his continuation at the helm of FIFA. This is what the British newspaper The Times assures this Wednesday, explaining that the president of the highest body of world football is going through one of the most delicate moments of his mandate after losing support, including that of UEFA.According to this information, in case of agreement, the title match would be played at the future Grand Stadium Hassan II in Casablanca, a facility with a capacity for 115,000 spectators that is currently under construction. This decision would leave the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, until now considered the great Spanish candidate to host the final, and the Camp Nou, which by then will have 105,000 seats at full capacity once the works promoted by Barça since 2023 are completed, out of the running.

The Times maintains that the maneuver would respond to Infantino's need to strengthen his political position within FIFA in a context of strong criticism of his management and growing opposition from various confederations. FIFA, for the moment, has not officially confirmed what the venue for the 2030 World Cup final will be, but in recent weeks intentions have emerged from its president, who intends to sell part of it to private investors to increase its economic performance. The last edition, held a few weeks ago in North America, generated revenues well above expectations.

This privatizing will has severely impacted Infantino's popularity to the point that his re-election, which seemed a certainty a few weeks ago, is now truly in jeopardy. The Swiss president must revalidate his position in 2027 and is seeking help in Africa to achieve it. However, if Morocco plays along, the final of the next World Cup could be held elsewhere if the FIFA presidency changes hands. In any case, the football offices are experiencing turbulent times. The football business generates tremors of influence.