Aftermath of Ceuta Crisis: Calls Grow in Spain to Drop Morocco as 2030 World Cup Co-Host

▲ Migrants gathered in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa

Following the influx of migrants from Morocco into the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta, Spain's far-left and far-right parties have simultaneously called for Morocco to be removed as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Spain, Morocco, and Portugal are the co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup.

According to POLITICO Europe on the 6th local time, the far-left Sumar party, which forms a coalition with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government, argued in a resolution submitted to parliament on the 5th that Morocco should not enjoy the benefits of being a host nation while doubts remain regarding its role in the Ceuta crisis.

Less than 24 hours later, the far-right Vox party introduced a nearly identical resolution.

Vox stated that "the serious events that occurred in Ceuta on July 30-31 destroyed the basis of trust and cooperation," adding that Spain must stand up against such "humiliation."

In late July, more than 70,000 migrants crossed the border from Morocco into Ceuta without authorization within the span of 24 hours.

While the Spanish government suspects a domestic court ruling was the cause of the mass influx of migrants, suspicions persist that Morocco played some role in the mass border crossing to exert political pressure on Spain.

Vox, which holds a hardline stance on immigration, asked, "Is it wise to co-host the World Cup with a country that is not a faithful partner, neither in organizing a sporting event of this magnitude nor in bilateral issues between neighbors?"

Not only Sumar and Vox, but also the far-left Podemos party and Portugal's left-wing Livre party are urging that Morocco be dropped as a co-host.

POLITICO interpreted that while these resolutions carry no legal binding force for the Spanish government to take action, they indicate widespread frustration toward the Moroccan government across the political spectrum.

Previously, the British daily The Times reported, citing sources, that FIFA President Gianni Infantino—who faced criticism after pushing to privatize stakes in the tournament—had proposed holding the 2030 World Cup final in Morocco to secure its support.

A FIFA spokesperson denied the report.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)

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