Latest news with #WorldCup2030
Ya Biladi
3 days ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco boosts infrastructure for AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2030 preparation
The ambitious infrastructure, investment, and construction initiatives launched for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are key components of a broader strategy to lay a robust foundation for the 2030 World Cup. This was emphasized by Fouzi Lekjaa, Deputy Minister in charge of the Budget, during a session in Rabat on Friday. «The projects tied to AFCON 2025 are seamlessly woven into a strategic framework aimed at gearing up for the 2030 World Cup. This approach not only ensures a lasting legacy but also maximizes the development of Morocco's sports, economic, and territorial sectors», stated Lekjaa at a ministerial conference focused on the theme «World Cup 2030: Financial, Institutional, and Strategic Challenges», held at the National School of Administration (ENSA). He revealed that an investment of approximately 150 billion dirhams (MMDH) is being funneled into key sectors, including the construction of a drinking water treatment plant with a capacity of 2 billion cubic meters, designed to meet both industrial and domestic demands. Continuing in this vein, Lekjaa highlighted that the financing of transport infrastructure is anchored in public-private partnerships (PPPs), complemented by an annual state subsidy of about 1.6 MMDH until 2030, ensuring the projects' continuity and financial sustainability. He underscored the significance of mobility between host cities, noting, «The development of the high-speed rail line (LGV) and the regional express network (RER) is actively progressing, particularly to link Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and the southern provinces, fostering the Kingdom's territorial and economic integration». Addressing the financial framework, he assured that it is crafted to avoid burdening the general state budget. He elaborated, «An innovative financing and operational model, in collaboration with the Deposit and Management Fund (CDG) and the National Company for the Realization and Management of Sports Facilities (SONARGES), facilitates a 20-year amortization, ensuring the sustainability of investments». Furthermore, Fouzi Lekjaa announced that the construction of the two stadiums designated for AFCON 2025 will adhere to a strict timeline, with the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat slated for completion by July 31 and the Grand Stadium in Tangier by August 15.
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco boosts infrastructure for AFCON 2025 and World Cup 2030 preparation
The ambitious infrastructure, investment, and construction initiatives launched for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are key components of a broader strategy to lay a robust foundation for the 2030 World Cup. This was emphasized by Fouzi Lekjaa, Deputy Minister in charge of the Budget, during a session in Rabat on Friday. «The projects tied to AFCON 2025 are seamlessly woven into a strategic framework aimed at gearing up for the 2030 World Cup. This approach not only ensures a lasting legacy but also maximizes the development of Morocco's sports, economic, and territorial sectors», stated Lekjaa at a ministerial conference focused on the theme «World Cup 2030: Financial, Institutional, and Strategic Challenges», held at the National School of Administration (ENSA). He revealed that an investment of approximately 150 billion dirhams (MMDH) is being funneled into key sectors, including the construction of a drinking water treatment plant with a capacity of 2 billion cubic meters, designed to meet both industrial and domestic demands. Continuing in this vein, Lekjaa highlighted that the financing of transport infrastructure is anchored in public-private partnerships (PPPs), complemented by an annual state subsidy of about 1.6 MMDH until 2030, ensuring the projects' continuity and financial sustainability. He underscored the significance of mobility between host cities, noting, «The development of the high-speed rail line (LGV) and the regional express network (RER) is actively progressing, particularly to link Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and the southern provinces, fostering the Kingdom's territorial and economic integration». Addressing the financial framework, he assured that it is crafted to avoid burdening the general state budget. He elaborated, «An innovative financing and operational model, in collaboration with the Deposit and Management Fund (CDG) and the National Company for the Realization and Management of Sports Facilities (SONARGES), facilitates a 20-year amortization, ensuring the sustainability of investments». Furthermore, Fouzi Lekjaa announced that the construction of the two stadiums designated for AFCON 2025 will adhere to a strict timeline, with the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat slated for completion by July 31 and the Grand Stadium in Tangier by August 15.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
World's biggest stadium with 115,000 capacity will NOT host World Cup final… despite being built for 2030 showpiece
WHAT will become the world's biggest stadium will NOT host the World Cup final, despite being built specifically for the tournament. The 2030 World Cup will mark the 100th anniversary of the first ever edition held back in 1930. 5 5 5 5 5 For the most part, it will be hosted by three different countries: Spain Portugal and Morocco, with the stretch across two continents making it the first of its kind. And last year, the latter nation announced plans to build a stunning 115,000-capacity stadium ready for sports' biggest event, known as the Grand Stade Hassan II. The stadium will feature 32 stairways, botanical gardens and a 100-hectare sports and leisure district. Work on the project is already underway in the Benslimane province just east of Casablanca, with the build possibly being completed as soon as 2027 - ahead of initial 2028 estimates. However, Spanish publication Marca have suggested the bespoke stadium will not host the final. Instead, the report claims that honour will fall to Madrid 's Bernabeu stadium, which comparatively holds 85,000 fans. But an agreement has reportedly been reached between Fifa and Real Madrid over its use for the final. It's claimed Fifa have never hidden its desire to place the final of the World Cup at the Bernabeu stadium. Morocco will be the first-ever Northern African nation to host the World Cup, and were the first African nation to reach the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022. An estimated £400million is set to be spent on building the state-of-the-art Grand Stade Hassan II and improving the surrounding infrastructure. Each end has been crafted into a bowl shape to maximise the fan experience through the sights and sounds. Five tiers of hospitality are also being built into the stadium to host the rich and famous. Up to 12,000 ultra-luxurious boxes will be available to VIPs as well as a custom "royal box" for special guests. Outside of the ground, the bizarre yet unforgettable style of the stadium is set to provide a unique fan experience. The inspiration comes from traditional Moroccan "Moussem tents", say designers, Populous. Concept pictures of the Grande Stade Hassan II show the structure is being made of giant aluminium sheets which appear to be slightly see through to allow for natural light. The tented roof also covers "an oasis of greenery" which is being added to the area and built into the stadium. Additional basketball and football pitches will also be available for fans inside the ground, according to previously released images.
Free Malaysia Today
16-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Malaga withdraws as host stadium for World Cup 2030
Spanish players take part in a training session at La Rosaleda stadium in Malaga. (EPA Images pic) MALAGA : Spanish city Malaga on Saturday withdrew from being a host venue for the 2030 World Cup, to be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Spain had put forward 11 stadiums to be used, including La Rosaleda in the south coast city. However, Malaga mayor Francisco de la Torre said hosting matches could cause problems for the city's club and fans because of reconstruction work needed on the stadium. 'Choosing between the World Cup and the club, we choose the club and the fans,' said De la Torre after a meeting with the Malaga council and the regional government of Andalusia. 'After (several) meetings… we believe that the most responsible, prudent and sensible thing to do today is to abandon Malaga's World Cup (hosting). 'If the World Cup is a risk for the club and a problem for the fans, it's not worth continuing with.' Malaga would have to play at a 12,500-capacity alternative stadium while reconstruction on La Rosaleda took place, and they currently have over 26,000 season ticket holders. The works would have cost an estimated €270 million (US$316 million) but the mayor said the decision had not been made in order to cut costs. 'We want there to be a new stadium. It will not be for the World Cup but there will be, that's a firm commitment,' added De la Torre. 'We're not doing this to save money but because it's for the best for the city, the fans and the club.' Spanish second division club Malaga competed in the Champions League in 2013 but subsequently dropped as low as the third tier amid a financial crisis. In March, Spain's head of World Cup 2030 organisation Maria Tato resigned after being accused of fixing the process to decide which stadiums would host matches. Newspaper El Mundo said ratings for potential venues were altered to favour Anoeta in San Sebastian, at the expense of Balaidos in Vigo. The Galician city, as well as the east coast city Valencia, are options to replace Malaga as a host. In June, La Liga club Valencia completed financing for the Nou Mestalla stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2027 with a 70,000 capacity.
Malay Mail
13-07-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Spain's Malaga withdraws as 2030 World Cup host, citing disruption and fan backlash
MÁLAGA (Spain), July 13 — Spanish city Malaga yesterday withdrew from being a host venue for the 2030 World Cup, to be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Spain had put forward 11 stadiums to be used, including La Rosaleda in the south coast city. However Malaga mayor Francisco de la Torre said hosting matches could cause problems for the city's club and fans, because of reconstruction work needed on the stadium. 'Choosing between the World Cup and the club, we choose the club and the fans,' said De la Torre after a meeting with the Malaga council and the regional government of Andalusia. 'After (several) meetings... we believe that the most responsible, prudent and sensible thing to do today is to abandon Malaga's World Cup (hosting). 'If the World Cup is a risk for the club and a problem for the fans, it's not worth continuing with.' Malaga would have to play at a 12,500 capacity alternative stadium while reconstruction on La Rosaleda took place, and they currently have over 26,000 season ticket holders. The works would have cost an estimated 270 million euros (RM1.3 billion) but the mayor said the decision had not been made in order to cut costs. 'We want there to be a new stadium. It will not be for the World Cup but there will be, that's a firm commitment,' added De la Torre. 'We're not doing this to save money but because it's for the best for the city, the fans and the club.' Spanish second division club Malaga competed in the Champions League in 2013 but subsequently dropped as low as the third-tier amid a financial crisis. In March Spain's head of World Cup 2030 organisation Maria Tato resigned after being accused of fixing the process to decide which stadiums would host matches. Newspaper El Mundo said ratings for potential venues were altered to favour Anoeta in San Sebastian, at the expense of Balaidos in Vigo. The Galician city as well as east coast city Valencia are options to replace Malaga as a host. In June La Liga club Valencia completed financing for the Nou Mestalla stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2027 with a 70,000 capacity. — AFP
