Report: Infantino dangles 2030 World Cup final to Morocco to retain FIFA presidency

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reportedly offered Morocco the right to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final in exchange for continued political backing as pressure mounts on his leadership, according to a report by The Times.

The report alleges that Infantino promised Morocco the tournament’s showpiece match at the under-construction Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, which is expected to become the world’s largest football stadium with a capacity of about 115,000 spectators.

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Morocco seen as key ally

According to The Times, Morocco has remained one of Infantino’s strongest allies during his presidency, with the FIFA chief seeking Rabat’s continued support as opposition to his leadership intensifies.

The newspaper reported that Infantino has been holding meetings in Rabat in an effort to consolidate support from football associations ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election.

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The reported move comes as the Swiss administrator faces increasing scrutiny following the collapse of his controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal and growing criticism over FIFA’s governance.

Leadership pressure grows

Infantino’s position has come under renewed pressure in recent weeks, with several football bodies and national associations distancing themselves from his leadership.

Among those reported to have withdrawn support are UEFA, the Football Association and the Football Association of Wales.

Neither FIFA nor the Royal Moroccan Football Federation has publicly commented on The Times report.

Morocco ramps up 2030 preparations

Morocco has accelerated preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup by investing heavily in sports infrastructure, including the construction of the Hassan II Stadium near Casablanca.

The North African nation will co-host the centenary edition of the tournament alongside Spain and Portugal, while Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will each stage one commemorative match to mark the 100th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup.

If confirmed, the reported offer would make the Hassan II Stadium the venue for the 2030 World Cup final, although FIFA has yet to announce the host stadium for the tournament’s showpiece event.