Finalissima: Miami and New York ruled out as Argentina v Spain seeks new venue | OneFootball

With 23 days to go, the Finalissima between world and Copa América champions Argentina and European champions Spain needs a new venue after plans to play at Lusail Stadium on 27 March were upended by conflict in the Middle East.

"We know there are talks, there are negotiations. The solution, as I see it, would be to seek another venue if it cannot be played there," said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, speaking to RNE Deportes.

Qatar’s government has yet to announce an alternative, though the national federation has suspended all matches and tournaments until further notice because of bombardments since last weekend. Before any switch, Qatar, UEFA and CONMEBOL are reviewing the hosting contract, as Qatar paid to stage the game, which forms part of the Qatar Football Festival.

Organisers in Qatar want to retain control of delivery, while accepting the match may be played abroad. The United States, including proposed sites in Miami and New York, has been ruled out because the country is implicated in the conflict. Spain and Argentina have also been discounted, and Argentina objected to the possibility of Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu despite also offering to host.

The leading fallback is a European nation with appropriate infrastructure and no involvement in the Iranian, American and Israeli confrontation. Morocco was floated, but the Spanish federation is thought to have dismissed it. A final decision is expected by Thursday five March.

Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, beat Italy to win the first Finalissima.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo