Four cities in Spain at risk of losing World Cup host status as FIFA look to slash venues

Rafael Louzan, the newly elected president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), is already facing challenges, despite efforts to move past the controversies surrounding his predecessor, Luis Rubiales.

Louzan’s decision to support La Liga president Javier Tebas over Barcelona in the Dani Olmo and Pau Victor registration case has strained relations with Barcelona and president Joan Laporta.

Additionally, Louzan faces a court case that could result in a seven-year suspension due to a previous charge of perversion of justice.

Looking ahead, the 2030 World Cup venues are another issue. Spain currently has 11 venues confirmed, but four—La Rosaleda, Riazor, Anoeta, and La Romareda—are at risk. The RFEF aims to secure Mestalla in Valencia as a host stadium, with plans for the Nou Mestalla now underway.