FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales on Wednesday met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, according to Álvarez & Cué of EL PAÍS. During the meeting, they proposed that Spain bid to host Euro 2028 or the 2030 World Cup. If Spain were to opt for the 2030 World Cup, this would "fit in with the traditional continental rotation of the locations for the tournament." The last two major football events organized by Spain were the 1964 European Championships and the 1982 World Cup. The "last time that Spain opted to host a World Cup was in conjunction with Portugal," for the '18 tournament. Rubiales described the meeting with Sánchez as "cordial and productive" (EL PAÍS, 9/12).
NOT SO FAST: In Madrid, Gonzalo Cabeza reported the RFEF "was always suspicious" of the Barcelona-Girona match in Miami. Infantino, Rubiales and Sánchez "all believe the game is very problematic -- so much so that one of the organizations could prevent the match -- though a decision has not been made." FIFA, the RFEF and Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs "all have some measure of input." One reason for the opposition to holding the match in Miami "is the matchup between Barcelona and Girona," sources said. The game has "significant political connotations," and the idea of exporting this and attracting int'l attention "does not appeal to the Spanish government" (EL CONFIDENCIAL, 9/12).
