Finalissima set for the Bernabéu, but AFA pushing for a different venue | OneFootball

Due to the armed conflict in the Middle East, the tournament between the Albiceleste National Team and La Roja would be moved from Qatar. UEFA and Conmebol have come closer to an agreement, and Real Madrid’s stadium is emerging as the frontrunner to host the event, although the AFA denies the possibility.

Because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Finalíssima between the Argentina National Team and Spain would be moved from its original venue in Doha, Qatar. Both UEFA and Conmebol are working together to reach an agreement, although in Spain it is already taken for granted that the match would be played at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.

The European entity proposed Real Madrid’s stadium to host the final. However, the South American organization has not yet accepted the proposal, as AFA denies the possibility of La Roja being the home team. A decision is expected between this Thursday and Friday.

The war crisis between Israel, the United States, and Iran has caused all kinds of problems in the region, and sports have not been exempt. Originally, the Lusail stadium (where the Albiceleste played from the quarterfinals onward in the 2022 World Cup) was going to host the championship, but the tensions led to the suspension of football in Qatar, leaving the Finalíssima up in the air.

“This is a match that should be played in a neutral stadium. It is clear that it seems it should be in Europe. If circumstances lead us where they lead us, most of the players are in Europe, so it seems logical that this is what may ultimately happen,” said Rafael Louzán, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, in an interview with El Larguero.

Other options that had been considered at the time included Wembley Stadium, which was ruled out because England and Uruguay are playing an international friendly there—with tickets already sold—and the Hard Rock Stadium, which was also dismissed as the Miami Open will be held there. Lastly, Lisbon and London remain as possible options.

Pending official confirmation of the venue, the Finalíssima would be played on Friday, March 27 between the Argentina National Team (2024 Copa América champions) and Spain (2024 Euro Cup winners). The Albiceleste will defend the title they won in 2021, after their 3-0 victory over Italy.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.