FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly come under fresh pressure after claims that he offered Morocco the opportunity to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup final in exchange for public backing of his 2027 re-election campaign.
According to The Times, the proposal emerged as Infantino faces growing calls to step down following controversy surrounding his reported attempt to introduce private investment into the FIFA World Cup.
Morocco is set to co-host the 2030 tournament alongside Spain and Portugal. However, Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán had earlier stated that Spain expected to stage the tournament’s final.
The report also claims Infantino is increasingly concerned by the lack of public support from Saudi Arabia, one of his longtime allies within world football. Saudi Arabia is scheduled to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Morocco has also been regarded as one of Infantino’s strongest supporters since he assumed FIFA’s presidency in 2016.
Pressure Mounts Ahead of 2027 FIFA Election
The latest allegations come shortly after the football associations of Wales, Sweden and Serbia announced they would not support Infantino’s bid for another term in office. Reports also suggest the English Football Association is considering withdrawing its backing.
Although no challenger has officially declared a candidacy for the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027, opposition to Infantino has continued to grow.
The controversy follows a leaked proposal indicating that FIFA considered selling stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The plan triggered widespread criticism from football stakeholders, with UEFA threatening to boycott FIFA competitions before the governing body eventually abandoned the proposal.
Despite dropping the plan, Infantino has continued to face criticism over his leadership. UEFA described the proposal as a “back-room” and “opaque” arrangement, while Concacaf accused the FIFA president of failing to prioritise the interests of football and called for a thorough review of his leadership.
The fallout has also led to the resignation of one of Infantino’s close advisers, former U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro.
Reports indicate Infantino convened an emergency meeting with senior advisers in Morocco as pressure intensified.
Adding to the criticism, former Portugal international, ex-Arsenal manager and UEFA adviser Luís Figo publicly urged Infantino to resign, accusing him of undermining the integrity of the FIFA presidency and losing the confidence of key figures across the global football community.
FIFA have released a statement claiming that president Gianni Infantino has not promised the 2026 World Cup Final to Morocco.
There have been speculations that Infantino offered it to the North African country, as he fights for his job.
But FIFA has insisted the reporrs are “false and misleading”.
The statement read: “It is false and misleading to claim the FIFA President has made any promise in relation to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 Final.
“A decision will be made by FIFA in due course.”
Spain hope to stage the final of the next World Cup.
The Portugal FA declined to comment when approached by TalkSPORT.