A Coruña Withdraws from 2030 World Cup Host Bid, Following Malaga
Inés Rey, the Mayor of A Coruña, announced the city's decision not to host matches for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Spain will co-host with Morocco and Portugal. The announcement came during a press conference where she was joined by Juan Carlos Escotet, President of Deportivo Football Club, and Valentín González Formoso, President of the Provincial Council of A Coruña.
Rey affirmed that the decision was made after a careful assessment of the city's best interests. She noted that A Coruña had desired to host the World Cup but "not at any cost." She stated, "The circumstances we have recently experienced required a calm analysis of what is best for A Coruña. We wanted A Coruña to be a host city for the World Cup, but not at any cost. With this, we are not closing a door; rather, we are opening a new phase."
The Mayor also revealed an agreement for the comprehensive redevelopment of Riazor Stadium and the Sports Palace in A Coruña. She explained that the agreement was reached with the main shareholders of Deportivo to modernize the entire sports city, including the stadium, the Sports Palace, and a range of athletic facilities. She added, "We will implement this with a project that improves our sports infrastructure, designed for Deportivo and its fans, and for the entire city. The World Cup would have been important for a few days, but what we are launching today is a project for decades."
For his part, Valentín González Formoso, President of the Provincial Council of A Coruña, lauded the agreement, describing it as a meeting point between various parties and asserting that it would fully benefit the city. He stated, "Our commitment to this project is absolute, and we are excited to improve an infrastructure that was in dire need of it. The city of A Coruña deserves a clear commitment, and we hope all of this will be accompanied by sporting successes."
Juan Carlos Escotet, President of Deportivo, concluded the series of speeches by expressing his satisfaction with the agreement, which he described as positive for both the club and its citizens. He clarified that this agreement represents a shared will that brings together the needs of the club and the city, two inseparable realities. He said, "This partnership aims to establish responsible, professional, and sustainable management at the urban level. Institutional stability is a fundamental condition for any project aspiring to continuity, and we desire a space that generates value 365 days a year, which goes beyond the scope of sports."
