No funding, no project, not even an agreement among politicians and the club. With less than 5 years to go before the World Cup, Estadio Riazor project has stalled, and A Coruña's bid is being questioned more than ever. Despite this, the authorities are ignoring the opposition's questions and appeals.

Nothing sure, nothing known

Negotiations have reached a deadlock, the Galician government replied in the spring to assurances from the city authorities that a detailed project and financing plan would be presented in the summer. Time proved the regional government right, as the summer passed and the city presented neither a private investor to close the budget, nor a final vision for the redevelopment of Estadio Abanca-Riazor.

Appropriate explanations will be provided, promised Ines Rey, mayor of A Coruña, before the City Council session last Thursday. However, instead of explanations, a councilor from her party responded to questions from the opposition, saying, As you have probably heard from our mayor, when there is news, you will be informed.

For the opposition People's Party, the response was embarrassing. We asked very specific questions: what is this project, what does it involve, what is its planned capacity, how will it be financed, and in response, the councilor said nothing. If we were concerned on Thursday, we are now somewhat alarmed by the situation, admit the councilmen. We don't know the source of funding, the dates of the tenders, or the work schedule... we have no information about the project, said, in turn, the Galician Nationalist Bloc. Meanwhile, Deportivo straightforwardly opposes the redevelopment plan.

© Concello da Coruña | The project, presented in 2022, has not yet progressed beyond the preliminary visualization stage.

A Coruña compares itself to Las Palmas, but follows in the footsteps of Malaga

However, the authorities continue to respond that the 2030 World Cup is a historic opportunity, so it is necessary to redouble efforts, but there is no cause for concern. The project is more or less outlined, said Gonzalo Castro, councilor for culture and tourism. There are host cities, such as Zaragoza, that are further ahead, but others, such as Las Palmas, are in the same situation, he argues.

However, the reality is different. Las Palmas has secured the entire amount needed for the renovation of Estadio Gran Canaria – €107M –, has chosen a renowned architectural studio to design the venue, and a tender for the initial first works has already been launched. The only city in a similar situation to A Coruña was Malaga. In July, it announced its withdrawal from the race to host the World Cup.

© Concello da Coruña | Mayor Ines Rey emphasizes that everyone must pull together so that Coruña can host the World Cup for the second time after 1982.