Qatar has apologized for its inability to host the Finalissima Cup, scheduled to pit Argentina against Spain on March 27.
Since last year, UEFA and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) had designated the Lusail Stadium as the venue for the highly anticipated match between the European and South American champions. However, the US-Israeli conflict with Iran now prevents this.
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, the two continental federations were inclined to wait for an improvement in the situation in Qatar, especially after the recent resumption of sporting activities. However, the situation remains precarious, leading to the decision to move the match to a safer location.
Most parties involved have agreed to hold the Finalissima Cup in the Spanish capital, Madrid, specifically at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
While other options existed in Portugal, Italy, and even the United States, most parties felt that holding the event in a prestigious stadium like the Bernabéu, in a country with a large Argentine community, was the best choice for an event of this magnitude. The Argentine Football Association is adamant about holding the match at the Santiago Bernabéu and is pushing for it to be moved to a neutral venue, specifically Italy.
The Santiago Bernabéu stadium was previously used to salvage the 2018 Copa Libertadores final, and with the extensive renovations it underwent between 2020 and 2023, it has become an ideal venue for any major football match.
It is worth noting that Qatar also informed Egypt that it could not host the Pharaohs’ matches in the upcoming international break against Saudi Arabia and Spain.
