Malaga withdraws from hosting the 2030 World Cup

Málaga has decided not to host the 2030 World Cup , a competition that Spain will organize with Portugal and Morocco , because "it represents a risk for the club and a problem for the fans and it is not worth it," announced the mayor of the Málaga capital, Francisco De la Torre , this Saturday.

Despite not having been included in the list of venues that the Spanish Football Federation sent to the International Football Federation due to Valencia having submitted the required documentation for the Nou Mestalla at the time, the city of Valencia has applied to be among the venues, a bid "strengthened" by the resumption of construction work on the Valencian stadium.

De la Torre made this announcement after meeting with representatives of the Málaga Provincial Council and the Andalusian Regional Government, the other two institutions that own La Rosaleda stadium, as well as the Málaga CF Federation of Supporters' Clubs and Supporters' Stand.

The decision to withdraw from hosting the World Cup was taken because the renovations to La Rosaleda, in addition to their financial cost of 270 million euros , are detrimental to Málaga fans, as the Ciudad de Málaga alternative venue would only have a capacity of 12,500 spectators, while the club has more than 26,000 season ticket holders.

"Choosing between the World Cup and the club, we chose the club and the fans. We're with Málaga," said the councilor, for whom the club "is very important" and they want "it to go further."

The mayor also noted that there will be a new stadium, either at the current La Rosaleda location or elsewhere in the city.

"We want a new stadium. It won't be for the World Cup, but there will be one. It's a firm commitment. We're not doing this to save money, but because it's the best thing for the city, the fans, and the club," he concluded.

The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. Additionally, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay will host their respective national teams' opening matches as a tribute to the centennial of the first World Cup, held in 1930 in Montevideo.