Giant crane at Anoeta as 2030 World Cup works begin while Donostia weighs bid | OneFootball

Works to raise Real Sociedad’s Anoeta to FIFA standards for 2030 have begun, despite San Sebastián’s ongoing debate over hosting. According to Diario Vasco, a giant crane is already in place beside the main stand.

The programme was set before the Basque institutions began their review, with mayor Jon Insausti first to signal the analysis. Works started after last Sunday’s match against Valencia, with crews and heavy machinery entering on Monday. The crane is moving materials up to the upper section of the west stand.

The expansion will take capacity to 42,247. The west upper ring is being reconfigured for 580 new seats and updated press facilities, followed by 430 more seats in the east stand, plus further seating in the four open corners of the second tier. The works are budgeted at about 10 million euros and will also allow more supporters to attend.

To accommodate construction, Real Sociedad have asked LaLiga not to schedule a home match until matchday three, pushing the first home date into September.

The site is due to be ready for what is scheduled to be the final FIFA delegation visit next autumn before venues are confirmed for the 2030 tournament in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. City hall expects to have a full picture by then, and Insausti says Donostia will decide whether to continue its bid before FIFA rules.

Insausti’s position has prompted criticism from his coalition partner, the PSE, though he insists any decision must follow a rigorous and transparent review. San Sebastián was named a potential host by the RFEF in July 2024.

Source: Diario Vasco