Reports suggest Spain would like to play the Finalissima in Madrid. Will Argentina agree?
The Finalissima could be staged in Madrid on March 27, according to reports in Spain.
The clash between European champions Spain and Copa America winners Argentina is all but certain to be moved from its original venue of Doha’s Lusail Stadium due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Qatar has been targeted by Iranian drones in response to attacks from the United States and Israel and all domestic games have been put on hold until the situation improves.
The game, which would pit Lionel Messi against Lamine Yamal, is under a fortnight away and UEFA and CONMEBOL have been in intense talks to find an alternative venue.
Several outlets in Spain, including AS, suggest Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu has been proposed by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA. From a logistical perspective it would make sense with most of the players involved plying their trade in Europe.
However, it requires ratification from the Argentinian Football Association and CONMEBOL, which may yet prove tricky.
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Argentina would rather not play game in Spanish capital
Argentina would rather the game be played in a more neutral venue rather than the Spanish capital. London’s Wembley Stadium also came under consideration but was swiftly discounted due to England staging a friendly with Uruguay on the same night.
Rafael Louzan, the president of the RFEF, said on Tuesday he expected the issue to be resolved by today.
“It’s going to be very difficult [for game to be played in Doha],” Louzán told Cadena Ser’s El Larguero.
“In fact, four days ago we cancelled two charter flights that we had booked for this event.
“Within the next 48 hours we expect a decision to be taken.
“It’s likely to be moved to Europe because the majority of players [of Spain and Argentina] are based there.
“That would be the logical outcome.”
Spain versus Argentina was due to be the highlight of the Qatar Football Festival that also included matches involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Serbia and the host country.
“There’s a lot at stake,” Louzán said. “This [Finalissima] agreement is between UEFA and CONMEBOL via a company, a promoter, that has contracted six games [all in Doha].
“We must extend our solidarity to countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. We have a problem, but so do they.”
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