2030 Final in Morocco: African Leaders Suspect a Deal with Infantino

The information was reported this Thursday, September 10, by Reuters. A senior source at the Confederation of African Football said that some figures in African football believe that a promise was made to the president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

According to these officials, Fouzi Lekjaa was allegedly promised the hosting of the 2030 World Cup final in Morocco in exchange for his help in maintaining the support of African federations for Gianni Infantino. Reuters has not, however, presented any evidence establishing the existence of such an agreement.

On Bladi.net : Casablanca does not have the final yet, but it is already suspected of having negotiated it

Morocco is among the FIFA president’s most important public supporters. Despite opposition led by several major confederations, a very large majority of African federation presidents is reportedly still favorable to Infantino, particularly in the hope of obtaining more funding for football development.

FIFA denies making any promise to Morocco

FIFA formally denied reports that the final had been promised to Morocco in exchange for political support, calling them “false and misleading.” The Moroccan federation did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment on the source’s new statements within CAF.

These revelations came on the very day that Fouzi Lekjaa said that Benslimane province would host the final. The world governing body immediately reiterated that it had not yet made any decision and that it would decide “in due course.” Casablanca and Madrid therefore officially remain in contention.

On Bladi.net : World Cup 2030: Spain threatens to withdraw if Morocco is awarded the final

The matter now extends beyond the awarding of the World Cup’s final match alone. Gianni Infantino must seek a new term in March 2027, after losing the support of several European federations. France announced on Thursday that it would no longer vote for him, while UEFA, the Asian Confederation and Concacaf are calling for changes at the top of FIFA.

No opponent capable of assembling a majority has declared their candidacy, however. Backed by Africa, Oceania, South America and numerous small federations, Infantino still appears to be in a position to win the election, which will take place on March 18, 2027, in Rabat.