The joint candidacy of Morocco, Spain and Portugal for the 2030 World Cup is in the dark. Thirty MEPs questioned Gianni Infantino on the will of the Cherifian Kingdom to hold meetings of the 2030 World Cup in Western Sahara.
Unlucky candidate for the organization of the 2026 Football World Cup, ultimately devolved to the United States – Mexico – Canada trio, Morocco joined the Portugal – Spain alliance last March with a view to applying for the World Cup. 2030. Historically, it was Ukraine that was allied with the Iberian duo. But following corruption cases, its replacement by the Cherifian kingdom made sense geographically and diplomatically. It was King Mohammed VI who announced this tripartite candidacy last March. It was during a FIFA summit in Kigali, Rwanda.
But, within the European Parliament, thirty deputies of several parliamentary groups do not agree. They called on the boss of world football to respect the Geneva Convention and the rules of international law. A warning related to the possibility of matches being played in Western Sahara. However, in the Moroccan file, the cities selected are Agadir, Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat and Tangier.
Morocco’s double game for the 2030 World Cup
But it is possible that Morocco did not play completely fair. At the same time, in fact, the press announced the project to build a new stadium in Dakhla. A disturbing coincidence.
And in the European Parliament, Morocco has not been in the odor of holiness for several months. After the Pegasus affair, there was also a scandal revealing his attempts to “influence” several deputies. And it was already Western Sahara that was at the center of Moroccan strategy. Today, MEPs are therefore targeting Infantino, suspected of acquaintances with Morocco.
Ukraine is still in contention, South America is in ambush
It should be noted that the idea of continuing to associate with Ukraine has not been abandoned by Spain. No doubt because of support for the country at war. Luis Rubiales, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), recently recalled that his wish was now to have a bid including Ukraine and Morocco for the 2030 World Cup. A position that Fouzi does not share. Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), continues to push for a three-way geographical union.
Be careful that dissensions do not derail the project, because in ambush, another candidacy holds the road. That of the quartet from South America, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Paraguay.
