2030 World Cup: Atletico Madrid Considering Metropolitano Ground Withdrawal - Reports

Written by Oluwadamilola Olaleye

After initially been selected as part of the potential venues to host the 2030 World Cup, latest reports today from the Spanish capital is indicating that Atletico Madrid are considering the withdrawal of the Metropolitano Ground for the global showpiece which will take place across three three continents within six host countries with Spain inclusive.

More Details

In June 2024, the Spanish venues designated to host matches during the 2030 World Cup were officially announced, revealing a selection of 11 stadiums. Notably, this list excluded some prominent locations, sparking considerable discussion. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had initially put forth a proposal featuring 13 venues.

However, following the decision to assign the final match to Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu, a consensus was reached between FIFA, the Ministry for Sport, and the RFEF, resulting in the final selection of 11 Spanish venues. The remaining host venues for the tournament will be provided by Morocco, Portugal, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. Despite this seemingly finalized list, there is the potential for a significant alteration to the previously announced venues.

The concept of including Valencia’s Nou Mestalla in a significant football event originated during a discussion between Atletico Madrid’s majority shareholder, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, and the President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzan, during a private meal as per Relevo.

World football governing body, FIFA mandates that host stadiums be placed under their control for a period exceeding one month prior to the commencement of the tournament and for the entirety of its duration. This requirement, as reported by the same source, poses a substantial financial challenge for Atlético Madrid.

Read Also – 2024 In Review: USWNT Gold Feat, Orlando Pride, And Barbra Banda Year

The club relies heavily on its stadium to generate revenue during the summer months by hosting concerts and various events. Consequently, relinquishing access to the venue for such an extended period could result in a significant financial loss, potentially reaching €20 million. This substantial potential loss is the primary driver behind the club’s recent reconsideration of their initial stance regarding their stadium’s availability for the tournament.

With this, the RFEF is reportedly enthusiastic about incorporating the Nou Mestalla, which was initially excluded, into the event’s roster. This inclusion is seen as a tangible demonstration of recovery efforts following the devastating DANA floods of the previous year.

The RFEF’s interest follows a recent agreement that facilitated the resumption of construction on the new stadium, making its inclusion a potentially symbolic gesture of resilience and progress.

Do you have a story tip?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube