Morocco offered 2030 World Cup final as Infantino faces FIFA pressure, report says

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reportedly offered Morocco the chance to host the 2030 World Cup final in return for the country publicly backing him as pressure grows on his leadership of world football’s governing body.

The claim was made by The Times, which reported that Infantino is currently in Morocco and has promised the Kingdom the showpiece match at the new Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca.

Morocco is said to have been told that it could stage the final at the venue if it declares its support for Infantino in the face of increasing calls for him to leave FIFA.

The 2030 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal. Three opening matches will also be played in South America as part of celebrations marking the centenary of the first edition of the tournament.

Morocco is seeking to secure the final for the Hassan II Stadium, which is planned to hold 115,000 spectators. Once completed, it is expected to become the biggest football stadium in the world.

The Santiago Bernabeu remains the leading rival to host the final.

Infantino is understood to be concerned about a decline in support from some of his allies, including Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 World Cup.

The FIFA president is also facing growing opposition in Europe after the failure of a project to sell a stake in the commercial rights to FIFA competitions to private-sector investors.

Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, president of the Jordan Football Association, accused Infantino of blackmail on Tuesday, alleging that pressure had been placed on the Jordanian federation to support his campaign for re-election as FIFA president.

Former Portugal international Luis Figo has also joined those criticising Infantino and called for his immediate departure from the FIFA presidency.

Figo described the FIFA president’s conduct as “the most low, deceptive and selfish” behaviour he had witnessed in football. He added that Infantino had “distorted the position he promised to develop, lied, deceived and sought to serve his personal interests instead of serving the game”.

Figo said the time had come to save football by removing Infantino from office.

The latest developments follow Arsene Wenger’s announcement that he would not take part in FIFA’s plan to sell commercial rights. Wenger, FIFA’s global football development director, said he had learned about the proposal through the media.

He described its withdrawal as “necessary and unquestionable”.

Wenger also said he believed FIFA should be independent, transparent and honest, and work in the interests of football across the world.

His position has been viewed as a clear attempt to distance himself from the crisis currently affecting the international governing body.