Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has issued a sharp rebuke to the head of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (RMFF), Fouzi Lekjaa, following the latter’s unauthorized declaration that Morocco would host the 2030 World Cup final. The controversy erupted after Lekjaa informed a political party gathering that the province of Benslimane would have the honor of hosting the tournament’s concluding match, a claim that remains unverified by global football authorities.
FIFA’s Stance and Diplomatic Tensions
FIFA has yet to determine which of the three co-hosts—Spain, Portugal, or Morocco—will be awarded the final. A spokesperson for the governing body stated that a decision will be made in due course, noting that such high-stakes selections involve extensive deliberation. For context, the host for the 2026 final in New Jersey was not confirmed until February 2024, despite the selection process occurring years in advance.
Political Fallout
- Prime Minister Akhannouch publicly addressed the issue during a rally ahead of upcoming elections, urging officials to exercise caution regarding international commitments.
- “Do not offer to host the big final game in Morocco while we still have not discussed the matter with our allies, Spain and Portugal. There should be some respect, brothers,” Akhannouch stated.
- The Prime Minister further emphasized the gravity of the situation, adding, “Stop using electoral promises to pull the rug out from under us. These are huge matters. Deciding where the final will be held is a major issue.”
- The RMFF has not provided a response to requests for comment regarding Lekjaa’s remarks.
Stadium Infrastructure Progress
Despite the diplomatic friction, construction on Morocco’s proposed 115,000-seat stadium remains a focal point of the nation’s bid. As of May, the project was approximately 30 percent complete. Officials overseeing the development are aiming to finalize construction by the end of 2027, positioning the facility as a centerpiece for the country’s hosting ambitions regardless of the final decision on the tournament’s closing match. The report also notes that morocco’s prime minister has hit out at his country’s top football official after the federation president boldly declared that the 2030 World Cup final will be played in Casablanca, despite FIFA not having made that.
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