Morocco PM Akhannouch challenges Lekjaa over 2030 World Cup final plans

Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has criticised Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa for announcing Casablanca as the proposed venue for the 2030 FIFA World Cup final before consultations with co-hosts Spain and Portugal.

Akhannouch said Morocco should not make commitments about hosting the tournament’s showpiece match without first reaching an agreement with its European partners.

His comments come after Lekjaa indicated that the final would be staged in Casablanca, despite FIFA yet to officially determine where the 2030 World Cup final will be played.

Akhannouch calls for consultation

Speaking at an election rally, Akhannouch stressed that Morocco, Spain and Portugal must discuss the issue together before any decision is presented as settled.

“Do not offer to host the grand final in Morocco while we have not yet discussed the matter with our allies, Spain and Portugal. There must be some respect, brothers.”

The Moroccan prime minister also criticised the timing and manner of Lekjaa’s announcement, warning against turning the hosting of the final into an electoral pledge.

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

He described the choice of venue for the final as a major issue that should be handled through discussions between the three World Cup hosts rather than political campaigning.

FIFA yet to decide final venue

Morocco, Spain and Portugal are set to jointly host the 2030 World Cup, but FIFA has not yet confirmed which country will stage the final.

The world governing body has said the decision will be made in due course, leaving the door open for discussions over the tournament’s most prestigious fixture.

Spain’s football federation president Rafael Lozan has also weighed into the debate, arguing that “common sense” points towards the final being held in Spain, while acknowledging that the final decision ultimately rests with FIFA.

Morocco’s Casablanca ambition remains uncertain

The dispute highlights the growing competition between the three co-hosts over the right to stage the 2030 World Cup final.

While Morocco has positioned Casablanca as a potential host for the showpiece, the absence of a FIFA decision means the final venue remains unresolved.

With Morocco, Spain and Portugal preparing to stage the centenary edition of the World Cup, further consultations between the three countries are expected before FIFA makes its final determination.