FIFA has issued a stern warning to officials in Seville, Spain, that the Estadio de La Cartuja must undergo significant improvements or risk being stripped of its hosting rights for the 2030 World Cup. The 70,000-seat stadium came under scrutiny after the recent Copa del Rey final, where fans endured what they described as 'appalling conditions' and 'unimaginable chaos'.
Fan Complaints and Organisational Failures
During the final between Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid, supporters from both clubs voiced complaints about the 'disastrous organisation' and lengthy queues to enter the ground. The stadium, built for the 1999 World Athletics Championships, is situated approximately four kilometres from Seville's city centre. However, the shuttle bus service typically provided for Real Betis supporters was not available, forcing some fans to walk in the summer heat.
According to a report from Spanish outlet AS, the travel infrastructure around La Cartuja was gridlocked ahead of kick-off, exacerbating the delays. The report also noted that FIFA has told stadium officials that 'significant' improvements are required for the venue to retain its World Cup status, particularly regarding transport links and overall event organisation.
Local Authorities' Response
Despite the criticism, local authorities have downplayed the issues, describing the cup final chaos as a 'one-off'. Seville's mayor, Jose Luis Sanz, claimed that the organisation was 'reasonably good', while councillor Alvaro Pimentel insisted that the city's transport connections to the stadium 'work very well'. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is reportedly aware of the concerns and is planning a meeting to discuss the stadium's future.
La Cartuja's Role in the 2030 World Cup
La Cartuja is set to be Spain's fourth-largest venue during the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by six countries. The tournament will begin with three matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup, before the remainder of the competition is staged across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
In addition to hosting the recent Copa del Rey final, La Cartuja has previously staged matches during the 2021 European Championship, albeit with limited crowds due to the pandemic. It also hosted a Euro 2024 qualifier between Scotland and Spain in October 2023, and most recently a 2026 World Cup qualifier between Spain and Turkey in November 2025.
FIFA's Demands
FIFA has made it clear that improvements must be made to the stadium's infrastructure and crowd management systems. The governing body has emphasised that efficient travel and organisation are non-negotiable for a venue hosting World Cup matches. Should La Cartuja fail to meet these standards, it could be replaced by another Spanish stadium.
The 2030 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, and FIFA has already increased prize money in response to concerns raised by participating nations. The tournament is expected to draw global attention, making the readiness of venues like La Cartuja a top priority for organisers.
