FIFA denies report that Infantino promised Morocco the 2030 World Cup final

FIFA has denied reports claiming Gianni Infantino promised Morocco the 2030 World Cup final in exchange for political support. The report was published by talkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs. In a statement, FIFA called the allegations false and misleading, insisting Infantino never made any guarantee about where the final would be played. The governing body added that the decision will be made through the proper procedure. Jacobs, however, says the situation is not so clear-cut. He reports that several sources inside the Moroccan football federation have told talkSPORT that conversations with Infantino about staging the final at the future Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca did take place. The Times previously reported that Infantino was willing to back Morocco's bid to host the final in return for public support during a major crisis at FIFA. The organization quickly rejected that story. The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal. Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will stage the opening matches to mark the centenary of the first World Cup. Infantino has been at the center of a growing controversy in recent days after the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project was shelved. Several media reports say UEFA leadership and representatives of other confederations are pushing for a change of FIFA president, though FIFA publicly denies all allegations.