An unexpected advantage for Morocco in the race for the 2030 World Cup final

– byLaila · 2 min read
An unexpected advantage for Morocco in the race for the 2030 World Cup final

Anti-Muslim chants disrupted the friendly match between Spain and Egypt in Cornellà. This racist incident weakens Spain’s position to host the 2030 World Cup final, offering a major advantage to its Moroccan competitor.

During this preparatory match that ended in a draw, part of the public uttered numerous insults targeting Islam and leader Pedro Sánchez. The media GOAL points out that these discriminatory acts were taken up by hundreds of spectators. Faced with strong international reactions, the Catalan police have officially opened an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the event.

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These incidents occur as Spain, Morocco and Portugal are preparing the joint organization of the World Cup. While the Spanish federation remains confident in the selection of the Bernabéu stadium for the closing match, this controversy directly harms its candidacy. The Moroccan file is thus strengthened in this direct confrontation for the attribution of the final.

The condemnations were immediate. Coach Luis De La Fuente, striker Lamine Yamal and the president of the Spanish federation, Rafael Luzán, firmly denounced the situation. The latter formally apologized to the Egyptian ambassador. The Iberian press agrees, stressing that "the excuse that it was only two or three troublemakers is no longer acceptable".

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During the match, the referee was informed of the excesses but chose not to activate the anti-racist protocol, preferring to lead the game to its conclusion. For its part, FIFA has congratulated the responsiveness of the Spanish officials and maintains its confidence in the country. Any disciplinary sanctions will be limited to financial fines or partial closures of stands for future matches.