**FIFA Rebuts Morocco's Claim of Hosting 2030 World Cup Final**
FIFA has officially dismissed claims made by the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, regarding Morocco's hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup final. In a statement, FIFA clarified that no decision has been made regarding the final's venue, despite Lekjaa's assertions during a recent political rally.
Morocco is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, marking a significant moment as it will be only the second time an African nation has hosted World Cup final matches, the first being South Africa in 2010. The tournament is anticipated to be a landmark event, showcasing the collaborative efforts of the three nations.
During the rally, Lekjaa proclaimed, “The city of Benslimane will host the World Cup final. Hate it or love it, and if anyone wants to talk on top of that, let them talk.” He specified that the final would take place at the newly constructed Hassan II Stadium, which is designed to accommodate 115,000 spectators and is located near Casablanca. Lekjaa expressed hope that Morocco's national team would qualify to play in the final.
FIFA's response emphasized that the decision regarding the final's host city will be made "in due course," leaving the matter open-ended. The governing body of world football has previously faced scrutiny over its decision-making processes, and this latest incident highlights ongoing discussions about the future of the tournament.
Additionally, FIFA has refuted claims made by British media suggesting that President Gianni Infantino had promised Morocco the final in exchange for political backing as he seeks re-election. This denial underscores FIFA's commitment to a transparent and fair selection process for the World Cup's final venue.
As the 2030 World Cup approaches, the anticipation surrounding the tournament continues to build, with Morocco, Spain, and Portugal preparing for what is expected to be a historic event in football history.