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The 2030 FIFA World Cup is no longer coming to Costa del Sol. Malaga retracted its bid to host the tournament.
The move was announced by the Mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre in a Saturday morning press conference. He cited viability issues relating to renovations at La Rosaleda, Malaga CF’s stadium.
Malaga was one of nine cities put forward by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to host the tournament, alongside A Coruña, Barcelona, Bilbao, Las Palmas, Madrid, San Sebastian, Sevilla and Zaragoza.
In the meantime, plans to expand La Rosaleda or find an alternative stadium for Malaga CF are no longer being pursued.
“It’s not worth it,” said de la Torre in the presence of representatives from Junta de Andalucia, and Provincial Council.
“This isn’t about the money.” “It’s about what is best to do for the club, fans and city,” said the mayor. “We do not want Malaga CF fans to be without them for two seasons. Either we harm the club or we withdraw, which would damage Spain’s image.
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He added that the most responsible decision would be to withdraw Malaga’s bid for the World Cup 2030.
This decision is a positive step for Valencia as they are the favourites to take over Malaga’s role of host city.
Last week, Valencia CF announced the club had secured the full €322 million funding required for a new stadium, set to be one of the largest in Europe with over 70,000 seats, nearly 10% of which will be hospitality.
Vigo, in Galicia is another alternative. It was originally considered as a possible host city but failed to be selected.
Fans and locals were disappointed. On X, a user wrote: “It was about time those who backed the candidate and those that decided to submit it were sacked.”
Another said: “What a dissapointment […] They only fix things, don’t consider the future and we now lose the opportunity to host a World Cup.”
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