Spain’s Football President Anxious Over Morocco’s World Cup Ambitions

Rabat – Royal Spanish Football Federation President, Rafael Louzan, has expressed unease over Morocco’s accelerating sports industry, especially its ambitions for the 2030 FIFA World Cup as a potential host of the tournament’s final.

The  Moroccan momentum sparked frustration among Louzan and Spanish officials, who are publicly pushing the Spanish government to take the lead.

Marca said Louzan made his remarks at The Forum, an event focused on the new challenges facing the football industry.

“He is convinced that Spain will lead the competition, but he has urged the government to get involved as soon as possible, given Morocco’s growing influence,” Marca wrote.

For Louzan, Spain is capable of doing everything, citing a plan for 20 host cities across the tournament. 

The plan also includes 11 host cities in Spain, six in Morocco, and three in Portugal.

“We are going to lead that World Cup. Some stadiums are already well worked on and others are very modern,” he added.

Commenting on Morocco’s sports preparedness and the country’s momentum in football, Louzan urged his government to act without delay

“I say it because it is necessary. In Morocco, one person decides, while here many people do. This is indeed Spain’s project, and it must lead it. From September onward, we must take the bull by the horns. Other structures must also be ready,” he urged.

Both countries are now in a tough sporting war over who will host the final. This is not the first time Louzan has made similar remarks.

Last year, he declared that it would be “inexplicable” if the final were not in Spain, alleging that Spain accounts for 55% of the bid’s weight.

Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FRMF) President Fouzi Lekjaa, however, rejected Spain’s claims.

He said that claims Spain secured the Bernabeu are speculative and that no decision has been made about the match locations.

“These choices will be discussed between the three host countries and FIFA,”Lekjaa maintained.

Spain has also been under scrutiny in recent months amid chaos documented in stadiums following clashes between fans, private security, and Spain’s police.

On February 21, tensions erupted during  Osasuna’s win over Real Madrid at Pamplona’s El Sadar stadium.

Tensions rose after police started detaining some fans. Several supporters confronted them. The Police Intervention Unit (UIP) was called in, leading to baton charges and running through the stadium corridors.

This is in addition to racism and Islamophobic chants targeting Muslims and other players across Spain, including FC Barcelona’s superstar Lamine Yamal.

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