Spanish FA president Rafael Louzan insists Spain should host 2030 World Cup final

Rafael Louzan says Spain should host the 2030 World Cup final, despite Morocco’s competition for the right to stage the match.

The president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation was speaking to the media during Spain Under-20s’ friendly against Mexico. He also addressed the Manchester City and Negreira cases, the influence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the possibility of a future senior international between Spain and Mexico.

Asked about a Spain player donating his €1m World Cup-winning bonus to federation staff, Louzan said: “It is wonderful news. I had the opportunity to hear it immediately. It concerns our internal organisation, and all we can do is express our gratitude.”

He added: “We all recognise the value of our national team and our players, and it begins with a gesture of such generosity. We must therefore be grateful to the entire squad. The commitment is complete. Let us continue on our path towards winning and playing great football.”

Manchester City and Negreira cases

On comparisons between Manchester City’s case and the Negreira case involving Barcelona, Louzan said: “There is no need for speculation. We will speak when the ruling in the Manchester City case is issued. I have enough matters here to occupy me. The other case is close to me, and we have already stressed the need for justice to be delivered as quickly as possible.”

“I believe it is essential to put an end to this interpretation that constantly uses the Negreira case as an excuse. Something like this should never have happened. Let justice take its course, and we will follow what happens closely.”

Asked whether there had been a failure to act over the Negreira case, he said: “There is not much more I can add. It is now in the hands of the judiciary, and they must speak as soon as possible.”

Louzan said Spanish football was enjoying an exceptional period.

“Spain has a great deal to talk about, and positive matters that deserve attention,” he said. “The results that have not yet been announced clearly indicate that Spanish football is at its peak. I would even say it is exceptional. We are living through football’s golden age.”

He added: “We must learn from the mistakes of the past and avoid repeating them, but this is Spanish football’s golden year. We must make the most of this opportunity and involve every part of Spanish society. Our task was to inspire everyone in Spanish society, and they have achieved that.”

Mexico friendly and 2030 final

On a possible friendly between Spain’s senior team and Mexico, Louzan said: “It is a wonderful country, indeed the most important in the Spanish-speaking world. I am pleased to see so many supporters in the stands, because they live in Spain. We have an excellent relationship, so why should we not play in Mexico?”

He said options had been presented, but the schedule left little room, with an opportunity possible in 2028. “Many countries want to play Spain. We are a popular team,” he said.

Regarding the contest with Morocco to host the 2030 final, Louzan said the tournament would begin in Spain, with Morocco and Portugal also involved.

“It is the centenary year,” he said. “We are the most important country in the world of football. This World Cup begins in Spain and Portugal, with Morocco also participating, and it should finish in Spain.”

He said all 11 stadiums still needed to be completed: nine main venues and two adjacent stadiums.

On Javier Tebas’ claim that Spain would not host the final while Infantino remained FIFA president, Louzan said: “Javier has expressed his strong desire for Spain to host the great final. I am completely sure of that.”

Asked about the FIFA election and Infantino’s future, Louzan said the decision belonged to the 211 voting nations. “We must see who stands by 18 November. Infantino has submitted his candidacy, and we will wait to see what happens,” he said.