President of the Spanish federation: we must host the 2030 final, and this is my response to the comparison between the Negreira and Manchester City cases
"We are living in the golden era"
Rafael Louzán, president of the Spanish Football Federation, has held firm on his country hosting the 2030 World Cup final, amid the fierce rivalry with Morocco to win this honour.
Speaking to the media during the friendly between Spain's under-20 side and Mexico, the Royal Spanish Football Federation president touched on Manchester City's situation, Spain's bid to host the 2030 World Cup final, Infantino's influence and the Negreira case.
One Spain player donated his one million euro bonus to the federation's staff after winning the World Cup, and Louzán welcomed the news. In remarks published by the newspaper "AS", he said: "Wonderful news. I had the chance to hear it straight away. It is a matter concerning our internal organisation, and we can only express our gratitude."
He continued: "We are all aware of the values of our national team and our players, which begin with such a generous gesture, and therefore we must be grateful to the whole squad. The commitment is complete. Let us continue our journey towards victories and playing wonderful football."
The similarity between the Manchester City and Negreira cases
Asked how far the Manchester City case resembled the Negreira case, in which Barcelona stand accused, Louzán explained: "There is no need for speculation. We will talk when the ruling in the Manchester City case is issued. I have enough matters keeping me busy here. As for the other case, it is close to me, and we previously stressed the need for justice to be delivered as quickly as possible, because I believe it is essential to put an end to this interpretation that constantly uses the Negreira case as a pretext."
He went on: "Something like this should never have happened. Let justice take its course, and we will follow closely what happens."
Pressed on whether there had been negligence in the Negreira case, he noted: "There is not much for me to add. The matter is now in the hands of the courts, and they must speak as soon as possible. Spain has a great deal to talk about, and positive things worth talking about."
He added: "The results not yet announced clearly indicate that Spanish football is at the peak of its prosperity, indeed I would say it is exceptional. We are living through the golden age of football. We must learn from the mistakes of the past and avoid repeating them, but this is the golden year of Spanish football."
Louzán then said: "Let us make the most of this opportunity. Let us involve all members of Spanish society; our mission was to inspire all members of Spanish society. And they succeeded in that."
A possible friendly between Spain and Mexico
On the chances of a friendly between Spain's senior team and Mexico, he replied: "It is a wonderful country, in fact the most important in the Spanish-speaking world. I am delighted to see such a large number of fans in the stands because they live in Spain. We have an excellent relationship, so why not play in Mexico?"
He added: "Some possibilities have been put to us, but the schedule does not allow for much. There will be an opportunity in 2028. Many countries wish to face Spain. We are a well-loved team."
The rivalry with Morocco over hosting the 2030 final
Turning to the rivalry with Morocco over the 2030 World Cup final, the Spanish Federation president said: "The 2030 World Cup kicks off in Spain with the participation of Morocco and Portugal. It is the centenary year. We are the most important country in the world in the world of football. This tournament, which begins in Spain and Portugal and in which Morocco also participates, must conclude in Spain."
He added: "We have to complete the construction of all 11 stadiums, the nine main stadiums and the two adjacent stadiums, in order to host the best World Cup in history."
Javier Tebas, president of the La Liga association, had confirmed that Spain would not host the final as long as Gianni Infantino remains in his post as FIFA president.
Louzán responded to that: "Javier expressed his strong desire for Spain to host the grand final. I am completely certain of that."
On the FIFA elections and Infantino's future, he concluded: "I cannot make the decision on this matter. It must be settled by the 211 countries that have the right to vote. We have to see who will stand as a candidate by 18 November. Infantino has submitted his candidacy papers, and we will wait to see what happens."
