Almeida said the neighboring country is acting "at a political and institutional level" to secure the venue, while, according to his account, Madrid City Council has no indication that the Spanish Government is doing the same to defend the capital's bid. "We have no contact with the Spanish Government. We have not been informed of any kind of action," he said.
The Madrid mayor argued that it would be difficult to understand Madrid not hosting the most important match of a tournament organized by Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The 2030 World Cup will also feature three matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to mark the centenary of the World Cup, while the venue for the final remains pending an official decision.
ALMEIDA CALLS FOR MADRID'S FINAL BID TO BE DEFENDED
"If the final is not held in Madrid, I believe there should be consequences, without a doubt," Almeida said, arguing that the situation is raising increasing doubts. The mayor questioned whether a World Cup initially promoted by Spain and Portugal could ultimately leave the Spanish capital out of the decisive match.
The comments come as Morocco publicly promotes its bid to host the final at the future Hassan II Grand Stadium in Benslimane, near Casablanca. Almeida stressed in this regard that, in his view, Madrid should be the venue for the match that concludes the tournament.
