Spanish FA chief insists 2030 World Cup final should be held in Spain

Rafael Louzan has maintained that Spain should host the 2030 World Cup final, despite the competition with Morocco for the right to stage the tournament’s showpiece match.

The president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation was speaking to the media during Spain Under-20s’ friendly against Mexico. He also addressed Manchester City’s legal case, the Negreira case involving Barcelona, Gianni Infantino’s influence and the prospect of a senior international friendly against Mexico.

Louzan welcomed the news that a Spain player had donated his €1m World Cup-winning bonus to federation staff.

“It is wonderful news. I had the opportunity to hear about it immediately,” he said, in comments published by AS. “It is a matter concerning our internal organisation, and all we can do is express our gratitude.”

“We all understand the value of our national team and our players, and it starts with gestures of generosity like this. We must therefore be grateful to the entire squad. The commitment is complete. Let us continue on our path towards winning and producing great football.”

Manchester City and the Negreira case

Asked how Manchester City’s case compared with the Negreira investigation, Louzan said it was too early to draw conclusions.

“There is no need for speculation. We will speak when a verdict is issued in the Manchester City case,” he said. “I have enough matters occupying me here. The other case is close to me, and we have already said that justice must 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 developments closely.”

Louzan said he had little more to add while the issue remained with the courts.

“It is now in the hands of the judiciary, and they must speak as soon as possible,” he said. “Spain has plenty to discuss, including positive matters that deserve attention.”

He described the current period as “the golden age of football”, saying results yet to be announced showed Spanish football was at an exceptional level.

“We must learn from the mistakes of the past and avoid repeating them, but this is the golden year for Spanish football,” he added. “We should 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 succeeded.”

Louzan said a senior friendly with Mexico could take place in 2028, although the international calendar offered limited opportunities.

“Mexico is a wonderful country, the most important in the Spanish-speaking world,” he said. “We have an excellent relationship, so why not play in Mexico? Several possibilities have been presented to us, but the schedule does not allow for much. There will be an opportunity in 2028. Many countries want to face Spain. We are a popular team.”

On the 2030 World Cup, Louzan said Spain, Morocco and Portugal would host the tournament, which marks its centenary.

“The World Cup begins in Spain, with Morocco and Portugal involved,” he said. “We are the most important country in the world of football. This tournament, which starts in Spain and Portugal and also involves Morocco, must finish in Spain.”

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

Asked about Javier Tebas’ claim that Spain would not host the final while Infantino remained FIFA president, Louzan said Tebas strongly wanted Spain to stage the match.

As for FIFA’s election, he said the decision belonged to the 211 voting nations. Candidates must be known by 18 November; Infantino has submitted his candidacy, and Louzan said they would wait to see what happens.