2030 World Cup: Spain political parties oppose Morocco as host

A demand has been raised in Spain to remove Morocco from the list of joint hosts for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Several members of parliament from Spain's ruling left-wing coalition have questioned Morocco's suitability as a host.

The 2030 World Cup will be held to mark the centenary of the tournament. The main hosts are Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Additionally, one match each will be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay as part of the opening celebrations. Uruguay and Argentina were given matches to commemorate the first World Cup in 1930, and Paraguay because it is the headquarters of CONMEBOL.

Several deputies from the three political parties in Spain's ruling coalition have raised objections to Morocco's role as a host. They have called on the Spanish government to formally request FIFA to remove Morocco from the list of joint hosts.

Portugal's ruling Liberal Party has taken a similar stance, having sent letters to the Portuguese government and the country's football federation on the matter.

The recent migration crisis at the Ceuta border, Spain's North African territory, has been cited as a key reason behind the demand to remove Morocco. Spain's left-wing coalition leaders have expressed concerns over Morocco's social, economic, security and human rights situation.

According to them, if a large number of people from a country are risking their lives to enter another, it is natural to question that country's capacity and suitability to host the World Cup.

It has been claimed that thousands of Moroccan citizens attempted to cross the Ceuta border by sea during the migration crisis, with reports of many deaths.

However, no decision has yet been announced by FIFA or the World Cup organising authorities regarding Morocco's removal from the host list.