Francis Salado, the president of Málaga's provincial government, has reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Nueva Rosaleda stadium project over hosting any matches for the 2030 World Cup, a stance he maintains more than a year after the city withdrew its bid. In a lengthy appearance on the 101TV programme Área Malaguista on Monday, Salado made clear that Málaga CF's future is his top priority at a time when the team is struggling on the pitch, sitting 20th in La Liga with just three points from seven games.
Salado was unequivocal in choosing between the club and the global event. "If I have to choose between Málaga CF or one or two World Cup matches, I choose Málaga CF," he stated. He explained that the decision to withdraw the bid was tough but correct, as the World Cup project could harm the club more than help it. "At that time we made a difficult and hard decision, but it was the best for Málaga CF." he added. For Salado, the real source of excitement for fans is the construction of a new, modern stadium.
Nueva Rosaleda project hinges on UMA approval
The progress of the Nueva Rosaleda project depends on several administrative steps, with the University of Málaga's actions being key. Salado insisted that UMA must configure an expert commission to approve the project and, crucially, transfer the necessary land back to the city. "What UMA must do is transfer that land back to the city, it was transferred to UMA for its expansion many years ago and now the city needs it," he noted. Regarding economic exploitation, options include granting a right of use for 50 or 100 years, where the land would remain municipal but the use would belong to the club, which would bear construction costs.
Salado also addressed the impact on fans during construction, warning that season ticket holders in the Preferencia stand could be unable to attend matches if work proceeds at the current site. The cleanest solution, in his view, is to build the new stadium and relocate afterward. He expressed hope that a new owner, with financial strength, would design the stadium 100% according to the club's business plan, an urgent need given the team's sporting situation, which includes a five-match winless run.
Salado calls for Al-Thani exit and questions BlueBay
The uncertainty over the club's ownership was another central topic. Salado referred to the recent arrest in Germany of Rakan Al-Thani, the owner's son, describing the situation as unpleasant and damaging to Málaga CF's image. "In this globalised world these things happen. It's unpleasant that Málaga CF is news for these things." he commented. His position is clear: the solution is for the Al-Thani family to sell the club, something several companies are interested in. "Justice falls sooner or later on people who have committed crimes," he added, hoping a judicial process will open and a decision will be made.
Regarding the interest from the BlueBay group, which insists on building the Nueva Rosaleda on the current La Rosaleda site and activating mechanisms to take control of the club, Salado was critical. He rhetorically asked why there would be insistence on that location if a prior study determined another site was better for cost, capacity, and mobility. "If we've said the best site is that one, why are we going to insist on La Rosaleda?" he questioned. He underlined that public administrations should not intervene in choosing the owner, though they must safeguard the interest of the club and the city.
These comments come at a critical moment for Málaga CF, which faces its next home match against Espanyol on October 9th, looking to break its poor run of form. Fans can check the full schedule and squad evolution on our fixtures and squad pages. The urgency to stabilise the off-field situation is evident as the team tries to climb the standings, where it sits 18 points behind leaders Barcelona.
Background and full detail: Sport.es
