London likely destination to host Spain vs Argentina Finalissima after Doha doubts

[p]The match between European champions [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/spain/bLyo6mco/"]Spain[/a] and Copa America holders [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/argentina/f9OppQjp/"]Argentina[/a] had ‌been scheduled for March 27th at Lusail Stadium in Doha.[/p][p]However, it has ‌become increasingly unlikely that Qatar will host the fixture after the Qatar Football Association suspended ‌soccer tournaments indefinitely following US and Israeli attacks on [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/iran/xrRx85iA/"]Iran[/a] and retaliatory missiles ‌fired at the Arabian Peninsula.[/p][p]The Spanish FA (RFEF) has been pushing for a swift resolution, mindful that the March international break is viewed as vital preparation ahead of the June-July World Cup in ‌North America.[/p][p]"[b]I know that negotiations are underway[/b],” Spain coach ⁠Luis de la Fuente told Spanish ‌Public Radio (RNE) on Monday. “[b]The first thing, as a society, is to stop the conflict, but once ​you are immersed in it and you don't know how long it will last, the solution would be, as long as you can't play ​there, to find another venue as soon as possible[/b]."[/p][p]Wembley Stadium staged the previous edition in 2022, when Argentina beat [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/italy/hlKvieGH/"]Italy[/a], but it is set to host [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/england/j9N9ZNFA/"]England[/a] ⁠vs [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/uruguay/xMk44orG/"]Uruguay[/a] on March 27th.[/p][p]​London, however, has other stadiums capable of staging the showpiece, leaving the English capital as the most likely alternative should Doha be ruled out, sources confirmed.[/p][h2]Alternative opponents considered[/h2][p]While keen to face Argentina and high-profile players such as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/messi-lionel/vgOOdZbd/"]Lionel Messi[/a], sources told Reuters ‌that Spain had made clear their priority was not to waste the last window of international fixtures before the World Cup and they were already contemplating alternative opponents.[/p][p]With Spain also due to face [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/egypt/bejDn7NN/"]Egypt[/a] three days later, any change would require agreement between the RFEF and European football body UEFA, South American confederation CONMEBOL, global governing body FIFA and the Argentine FA (AFA).[/p][p]The RFEF, AFA and UEFA did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.[/p][p]A spokesperson for South American confederation CONMEBOL told Reuters that several meetings between the parties had taken place in recent days but ‌did not confirm Thursday's deadline or London as the preferred venue.[/p][p]Madrid was initially ​proposed by the RFEF but rejected by the AFA, who preferred a neutral ‌venue rather than giving Spain home advantage.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/morocco/IDKYO3R8/"]Morocco[/a] offered to stage the game, but the RFEF was unwilling to back their Mediterranean neighbours amid tensions behind the scenes over the 2030 World Cup, which Spain, Morocco and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/portugal/WvJrjFVN/"]Portugal[/a] will co-host. Both Spain and Morocco are campaigning to stage the final.[/p][p]Miami was ⁠also considered, with Messi based there at ⁠Inter Miami, but Hard Rock Stadium ‌is hosting the Miami Open tennis tournament at the same time.[/p]