The venue for this year’s Finalissima is likely to be changed at the last minute following security concerns in Qatar.
Reports suggest UEFA is now preparing to relocate the high-profile match to Spain, only days before it is scheduled to take place.
Why is the Finalissima being moved from Qatar?
The Finalissima between Spain and Argentina was originally planned to take place in Qatar on March 27.
However, recent security concerns in Doha, including reports of drones and ballistic missiles being intercepted by Qatari armed forces, have made the event increasingly difficult to stage there.
As a result, organisers are now working on moving the match to Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, home of Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The stadium has emerged as the leading alternative after other potential venues such as Rome and Lisbon were considered, while London was initially viewed as the top location, per previous reports.
UEFA reportedly views Madrid as the best European option capable of hosting such a major fixture at short notice.
The decision still requires confirmation from South American organisers, with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said to be reluctant about playing the match in Spain rather than at a neutral location.
FGG says: Bernabeu switch could give Spain a huge advantage
While moving the Finalissima to Madrid may be the most practical solution, it does raise questions about competitive balance.
The fixture is meant to be a showcase clash between the champions of Europe and South America, ideally staged on neutral ground.
Playing at the Bernabeu would effectively give Spain home advantage against Argentina in what is supposed to be an evenly matched encounter.
From an organisational perspective, the stadium is an obvious choice, as it has previously hosted major events at short notice, but Argentina’s concerns about neutrality are understandable if the match ultimately goes ahead in the Spanish capital.