Politics · Singapore Bureau
Morocco PM rebukes football chief over premature World Cup final claim
Morocco's prime minister has criticized the country's soccer federation president for claiming the 2030 World Cup final will be held in Casablanca, a decision that has yet to be made by FIFA.
LSN Singapore ·
RABAT — Morocco's government has publicly distanced itself from its football federation chief's declaration that Casablanca will host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final, with the prime minister expressing displeasure over the premature assertion.
The federation president's confident prediction has drawn scrutiny as FIFA has not yet officially designated a venue for the tournament's climactic match. The statement risks embarrassing the country should FIFA make a different decision, prompting the prime minister's rebuke.
Morocco is among the nations bidding to co-host the 2030 World Cup, along with other countries in the region. The tournament hosting rights have not yet been formally awarded, with FIFA's decision process still underway.
The dispute underscores tensions between Morocco's political leadership and sports officials over how the country should present itself during international competitions. Government officials have sought to manage expectations and maintain diplomatic decorum ahead of FIFA's official announcement.
The World Cup hosting decision is expected in the coming months as part of FIFA's regular bidding cycle for future tournaments.