Major World Cup stadium decision made as statement released | Football | Sport
Spanish club Deportivo de la Coruña has withdrawn from the opportunity to stage matches at the 2030 World Cup, despite having already invested substantially in its stadium. The next edition of the tournament following this summer’s in North America will be held across Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
La Coruña’s Riazor Stadium was originally chosen as one of the host venues, but that was based upon the stadium being expanded from its present capacity of 32,490 to the 40,000 requirement stipulated by FIFA. Original proposals were to raise the capacity of the stadium to 48,000.
Work to enhance the stadium has already started, with the club committing approximately £100 million. But it has now been announced that they are reducing the redevelopment and, consequently, pulling out of hosting responsibilities.
In a statement, club president Juan Carlos Escotet said: “We are making significant improvements to the stadium with a clear objective: to offer a better matchday experience to our fans, who truly deserve it.
“Deportivo’s ownership has already made an extraordinary effort with more than €100million invested in the last two years, primarily aimed at improving the club’s financial health and building a competitive squad.
“Thinking about doubling its capacity not only lacks practical sense but would also lead to a significant drop in revenue due to excess capacity during the construction period.
“It would require an enormous level of investment, given other social needs.
“We see no financial justification for doubling the stadium’s capacity when it is not necessary. It is a sports facility, and, therefore, it should be treated as such.”
La Coruña play in the second tier of Spanish football. The team are in second position in the league as they strive to return to La Liga, the championship they clinched in the 1999/2000 campaign.
It remains to be seen if a new stadium will be selected for the host nation. In Spain, the Bernabeu, Camp Nou, Wanda Metropolitano and Athletic Club’s Anoeta Stadium have been chosen.
In Portugal, matches will be held at Benfica’s Estadio da Luz and Sporting CP’s Jose Alvalade. In Morocco, the new Hassan II stadium is under construction, with plans for it to accommodate 115,000 fans.
