RFEF Under Scrutiny for Alleged Manipulation of 2030 World Cup Bid Scores
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is facing renewed controversy following the publication of audios suggesting manipulation of scores for candidate host cities for the 2030 World Cup,which Spain will co-host with Portugal and Morocco.
Score Alterations Favor San Sebastián Over Vigo
According to reports,the RFEF allegedly altered stadium scores to favor Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastián over Balaídos Stadium in Vigo,Pontevedra. initially, Balaídos had a higher score, but the evaluation team reportedly adjusted the scores just 48 hours later, elevating Anoeta and eliminating Vigo from consideration.
Audios Reveal Internal Discussions on Score Adjustments
Audios reportedly capture María Tato, director of the 2030 World Cup Candidacy at the RFEF, discussing the manipulation of the Excel sheet used for scoring. Tato allegedly mentioned conducting “800 tests until it matches the result.” She later informed Rafael Louzán, then vice president and current president of the Federation, about the scoring criteria used, claiming thay were based on those used by FIFA for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Controversy Erupts as city Officials Demand Explanations
The mayor of Vigo, Abel Caballero, and the president of the Xunta de Galicia, Alfonso Rueda, have expressed outrage over the alleged manipulation. Caballero has called for the RFEF president to explain the situation,questioning who altered the scores and why. Rueda has demanded “explanations” from the RFEF.
List of Selected Stadiums
The stadiums ultimately chosen were Anoeta, Camp Nou, Gran Canaria, La Cartuja, La Rosaleda, Metropolitano, Nueva Romareda, Cornellá-El Prat, Riazor, San Mamés, and the Santiago Bernabéu.
**What are the potential consequences for the RFEF and Spain’s bid for the 2030 World Cup if the allegations of manipulation are proven true?**
RFEF Under Scrutiny: Your Questions Answered
You’ve read the headlines,now get the full story. We break down the controversy surrounding the RFEF and the 2030 World Cup bid.
Q&A
- What exactly is the RFEF accused of?
- The Royal Spanish Football federation (RFEF) is accused of manipulating the scores of candidate host cities for the 2030 World Cup, specifically favoring San Sebastián over Vigo.
- How was the scoring allegedly manipulated?
- Reports suggest that the RFEF altered stadium scores in an Excel sheet. Balaídos Stadium in Vigo initially had a higher score, but it was allegedly adjusted to favor Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastián. According to audio recordings, officials discussed making “800 tests until it matches the result.”
- Who is implicated in this scandal?
- María Tato,the director of the 2030 World Cup Candidacy at the RFEF,is named in the audios. rafael Louzán, then vice president and current president of the Federation, was also informed.
- What stadiums were ultimately chosen?
- the selected stadiums include Anoeta (San Sebastián), Camp Nou, Gran Canaria, La Cartuja, La Rosaleda, Metropolitano, Nueva Romareda, Cornellá-El Prat, Riazor, San Mamés, and the Santiago Bernabéu.
- What are the next steps?
- city officials, like the Mayor of Vigo, have demanded explanations from the RFEF. The situation is under scrutiny, and further investigation is highly likely. It’s critically important to follow the news for further updates.
- Engaging Trivia: Which stadiums are the biggest?
- camp Nou in Barcelona has the largest capacity of all the stadiums selected, holding over 99,000 spectators. The Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid is second largest.
The controversy surrounding the RFEF and the 2030 World Cup bid is ongoing. Stay informed as this story develops and affects the future of Spanish football.
