aQuestions began to arise about the venue for the match, scheduled for March 27 at Doha’s Lusail Stadium, after the Qatar Football Association announced the cancellation of the tournament and domestic competitions in the wake of the Middle East crisis following the conflict sparked by the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
In this scenario, both the Argentine Football Association and the Royal Spanish Football Federation are considering alternatives to ensure a match between the Copa America winners and the European Championship winners, which is considered important in the preparations for the World Cup, which will be held from June 11 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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Abandoned venues and proposals under analysis
Options such as Miami and New York have been ruled out because the United States is involved in the conflict, the sports newspaper said. Proposals related to Madrid, Argentina and Morocco would also have been rejected
In this context, the Spanish federation proposed Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium as an alternative venue for the match. However, the reaction from Argentina was not positive, and as a counter-proposal, a proposal was made to hold the match on Argentine soil before the World Cup.
As of now, there are no firm proposals to move the event to South America, with a decision expected within the next few hours.
Negotiations and tight schedules
The report also details that there were talks between the Qatar Federation, UEFA and CONMEBOL to review the original agreement as Qatar won the hosting rights under the Qatar Football Festival.
The Asian country intends to maintain control of the tournament, but has not ruled out the possibility of the tournament being held outside its territory depending on the situation.
Calendars further complicate logistics.
Spain played a friendly against Egypt in Qatar on the 30th, and Lionel Scaloni’s team was scheduled to play a local team on the 31st.
Possible schedule changes require reorganization of commitments in the crucial FIFA period before the World Cup.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has publicly acknowledged the uncertainty, admitting that he is considering various venues in case Doha cannot be held.
london grows stronger
In the midst of uncertainty, London emerges as a concrete option. The Independent reported that there are growing doubts about security in Doha and that the British capital has a stadium that could host high-profile events.
Wembley Stadium, the venue for the 2022 tournament where Argentina defeated Italy 3-0, will not be accessible on the day due to an agreement between England and Uruguay. However, there are other top-class venues in London that can host matches.
Morocco made a formal proposal, but the Spanish federation is said to have rejected the proposal amid tensions surrounding a joint bid with Portugal for the 2030 World Cup. Miami alternative also ruled out as Hard Rock Stadium will be occupied by the Miami Open tennis tournament
What if it doesn’t play?
If the Finalissima does not take place, Argentina and Spain will have to find alternative opponents to avoid losing a high-level test before the 2026 World Cup, when both teams enter as title favorites.
A final decision is expected soon, but the uncertainty has already begun a new chapter of tension in what promises to be one of the great international pre-World Cup tournaments.
