Ceuta fans demand Morocco is removed from Spain’s 2030 World Cup plans

Fans in Ceuta have called for Morocco to be excluded from the 2030 World Cup hosting agreement with Spain and Portugal, amid growing tensions over migration and the border between the Spanish city and Morocco.

Supporters of Atletico Ceuta expressed their opposition during their side’s match against Celta Fortuna, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. Some demanded that Morocco be removed from the tournament’s hosting plans altogether, arguing that the country should not be involved while relations with Ceuta remain strained.

One young supporter told Marca: “I would expel them; they do not deserve to host the World Cup. If people are leaving their country, they cannot host the World Cup. Whoever does not share in our wellbeing cannot organise the World Cup with us.”

Another fan said: “I would expel Morocco from the hosting bid. I do not understand how there can be any doubt. The World Cup should be for Spain and Portugal. Morocco should not be involved, and it should not even take part in the World Cup.”

The comments come at a particularly sensitive time for Ceuta, following one of the largest migration crises experienced by the city in recent years. Large numbers of migrants entered Ceuta from the Moroccan side during 30 and 31 July, creating major pressure at the border.

Spanish reports said more than 70,000 people reached Ceuta during the crisis, which was accompanied by widespread disorder and intense pressure on the city’s border facilities.

The reaction from supporters went beyond calls for Morocco to be removed as a co-host. One fan adopted an even stronger position, saying: “If I were Spain, I would not play in the World Cup, and let Fifa decide what it would do if the world champions said they would not take part.”

Spain, Portugal and Morocco are scheduled to host the 2030 World Cup. The tournament is set to be a historic edition, with matches staged across more than one continent.

Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay will also host celebratory fixtures as part of events marking the centenary of the first World Cup. The tournament was originally launched 100 years earlier, with the South American nations included in the 2030 celebrations.

The dispute over Morocco’s role reflects the wider political sensitivity surrounding Ceuta, a Spanish city on the North African coast bordering Morocco. The supporters’ comments were made in the context of the recent migration crisis and the continuing tensions over the border, rather than concerns about the sporting organisation of the World Cup itself.