Morocco PM criticises football chief over 2030 World Cup final claim

Morocco Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has criticised Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa after he announced that the 2030 World Cup final would be held in Casablanca.

FIFA has not yet decided which country will stage the tournament’s final, despite Morocco’s claim. Akhannouch said the issue should not be discussed publicly before Morocco consults Spain and Portugal, its partners in hosting the 2030 World Cup.

Speaking at an election rally, Akhannouch said: “Do not offer to host the major final in Morocco while we have not yet discussed the matter with our allies, Spain and Portugal. There must be some respect, brothers.”

His comments came as FIFA continues to withhold a decision on the venue for the final. The governing body has said only that the location will be determined at the appropriate time.

Rafael Louzan, president of the Spanish Football Federation, has said “common sense” would point to the final being played in Spain, although he acknowledged that the final decision rests with FIFA.

Akhannouch also reacted strongly to Lekjaa’s announcement, warning against presenting the proposed venue as part of an election campaign.

“Stop using election promises to pull the rug from under our feet,” he said.

The Moroccan prime minister stressed that deciding where the World Cup final will be played was a highly important matter and should not be treated as a straightforward electoral pledge.

Morocco, Spain and Portugal will jointly host the 2030 World Cup. However, the country that will stage the final remains undecided until FIFA makes its official announcement.