Scandal Erupts in Spanish Football as 2030 World Cup Bid Director Dismissed
A significant controversy has emerged in Spanish football following the dismissal of María Tato, the former director of the 2030 World Cup bid and organization. Reports from El Mundo indicate that Tato faced termination from her position at the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) amidst allegations of manipulative actions aimed at influencing the selection of venues for the international tournament. The scandal revolves around claims that Tato exerted undue influence to favor the Reale Arena, home of Real Sociedad, over Balaídos, the stadium of Celta de Vigo. Initial assessments had positioned the Vigo venue as more appropriate for hosting matches, but Tato’s alleged maneuvers led to a shift in favor of San Sebastián.
In light of these developments, RFEF President Rafael Louzán has accepted Tato’s resignation, and an internal investigation into her actions has commenced. Tato previously headed the commission responsible for the 2030 bid, which included former footballer Fernando Sanz and businessman Jorge Mowinckel. Following the awarding of the World Cup to the collaborative bid from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, both Sanz and Mowinckel were also dismissed from their positions. However, they have publicly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that they do not share the blame for the alleged manipulation of the bid's evaluation metrics. Tato has implicated Sanz and Mowinckel, asserting they were aware of her actions, although they have rejected this accusation, stating that she acted independently in altering the final standings of the venues in the reports presented to the RFEF’s leadership.
This unfolding narrative not only casts a shadow over the integrity of the bidding process but also represents a new low in the governance of Spanish football as it prepares for one of the most significant events in international sport.
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