"Lekjaa said it and that was that": a Moroccan challenge ignites the battle over the 2030 World Cup final
What did he say?
The debate over which stadium will host the 2030 World Cup final rumbles on, the file still open between Spain and Morocco. Early on, most expected the showpiece to land at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Spotify Camp Nou among the possible alternatives.
Recent signs, though, point to a growing chance that the final could be staged at the Grand Stade Hassan II, currently under construction in the Moroccan city of Benslimane. Its vast capacity, once complete, is a major factor.
Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, is working to bolster his country's bid to host the final, leaning on the huge capabilities the new stadium is expected to offer, according to a report from Spanish newspaper "Sport".
The Grand Stade Hassan II will hold around 115,000 spectators. That dwarfs the projected capacity of the Spotify Camp Nou, close to 105,000, and the Santiago Bernabeu, which holds around 78,000.
Benslimane will have the honour of hosting the final
Speaking at an electoral event for the Authenticity and Modernity Party, days before the Moroccan legislative elections, Lekjaa made his country's ambition plain.
The president of the Moroccan federation said: "We will work with all institutions and all Moroccans in order for Morocco to host the 2030 World Cup final, whatever the name of the national team that will play the match. Whoever refuses refuses and whoever hates hates."
His comments followed remarks made around 10 days earlier, when he insisted the Benslimane province "will have the honour of organising the 2030 World Cup final", stressing the need to develop the region and prepare for this global event.
Officials hoping to join the next government, Lekjaa said on that occasion, must work to develop the Benslimane province, given its link to a new stadium project set to rank among the largest in the world.
Stadium readiness could boost Morocco's chances
Capacity is not the only card Morocco hold. The completion date may hand the Moroccan stadium an extra edge in the race to secure the honour of hosting the final.
Estimates suggest the Grand Stade Hassan II will be fully ready by 2027, at a cost exceeding 450 million euros. That would allow it to be tested and to host major sporting events before the 2030 World Cup kicks off.
Readiness could prove a decisive point in the race, especially with redevelopment work still ongoing at the Spotify Camp Nou, the ground Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants to host the World Cup's decisive match.
The final decision lies with FIFA
For all the confident Moroccan talk, nothing has been settled. FIFA are expected to wait until next year, or even 2028, before announcing which stadium will host the 2030 World Cup final.
