Spain FA chief says Finalissima likely to move from Qatar; decision due within 48 hours

The Finalissima between Argentina and Spain, scheduled for March 27 at Doha’s Lusail Stadium, is in doubt, with Spanish Football Federation president Rafael Louzán saying a venue decision is expected within 48 hours and that a move to Europe is likely. “It’s going to be very difficult for the game to be played in Doha,” Louzán told Cadena Ser’s El Larguero.

The uncertainty follows the Qatar Football Association’s decision to postpone all tournaments and matches until further notice after the United States–Israel strikes on Iran, a move that has cast the showcase between the European champions and the Copa América winners into flux.

UEFA, CONMEBOL and the local organizing committee are closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East. Louzán said preparations had already been scaled back, noting the federation cancelled two charter flights four days ago. “Within the next 48 hours we expect a decision to be taken,” he said, adding that shifting the match to Europe is likely because most players from both teams are based there.

He emphasized that any change would be complex. According to Louzán, the Finalissima arrangement is between UEFA and CONMEBOL via a promoter that has contracted six games, all in Doha, including Spain vs. Argentina on March 27, Egypt vs. Spain on March 30, Saudi Arabia vs.

Serbia on March 30 and Argentina vs. Qatar on March 31. “It’s all part of a whole package,” he said. Louzán also extended solidarity to Qatar and Saudi Arabia amid the disruption. “We have a problem, but so do they,” he said. A final decision on the venue is expected within two days.