The Spanish city of Malaga has officially withdrawn its candidacy to host matches during the 2030 FIFA World Cup, a decision confirmed on Saturday by Mayor Francisco de la Torre. The tournament, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, had initially included Malaga’s La Rosaleda Stadium among 11 proposed Spanish venues.
Mayor De la Torre explained the decision was driven by the potential negative impact hosting could have on Malaga CF and its supporters. “Choosing between the World Cup and the club, we choose the club and the fans,” he stated following a meeting with the Malaga council and Andalusia’s regional government.
La Rosaleda would have required extensive renovations to meet FIFA standards, estimated to cost €270 million. During the reconstruction phase, Malaga CF would have been forced to play at an alternative venue with only 12,500 seats far short of accommodating the club’s 26,000+ season ticket holders.
De la Torre emphasized that financial considerations were not the deciding factor. “We want there to be a new stadium. It will not be for the World Cup but there will be, that’s a firm commitment,” he said, reiterating the city’s focus on long-term benefits for the club and its community.
Malaga’s withdrawal comes amid controversy surrounding the selection process for host venues in Spain. In March, Maria Tato, head of the World Cup 2030 organizing committee in Spain, resigned after allegations of manipulating evaluations to favor Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian over Balaídos in Vigo.
With Malaga stepping aside, attention now turns to potential replacements. The Galician city of Vigo and the east coast city of Valencia are frontrunners. Notably, Valencia has already secured financing for its new 70,000-capacity Nou Mestalla stadium, set to open in 2027.
Malaga’s decision underscores the challenges cities face in balancing global sporting ambitions with local priorities. While the World Cup represents a significant opportunity, Malaga’s leaders have chosen to prioritize the sustainability and welfare of its beloved football club and loyal supporters.
