Abel Caballero, the mayor of Vigo, has sent a proposal to the presidents of the Xunta de Galicia and the Provincial Council, suggesting a tripartite agreement to share the €107.5 million needed to support the city's bid for the 2030 World Cup. He has urged for an immediate agreement and noted that the Concello (Vigo City Council) has already commenced preliminary works on the Tribuna stand, while construction continues on the Gol stand.
In his correspondence, Caballero requested an urgent meeting among the three administrations to secure a deal that ensures the timely execution of the necessary works and compliance with FIFA's requirements. The mayor explained that the proposal entails an equal investment of €107.5 million, with approximately €35.85 million contributed by each institution, amounting to around €9 million annually over four years.
The agreement outlines the costs associated with each intervention, with the expansion of the Tribuna stand being the primary focus, alongside improvements to training fields, fan facilities, a volunteer programme, and organisational expenses for the tournament. Caballero argued that this is a manageable investment for all three administrations, which would provide the city with lasting infrastructure.
“We are talking about a stadium with a capacity of over 40,000 spectators, which will be used by Celta and will also host major concerts, audiovisual productions, and other events,” he explained.
Caballero pointed out that the Río and Marcador stands have already been completed, and the Gol stand is expected to finish in the coming weeks, while the Concello continues to advance on the necessary preparations for the new Tribuna.
The mayor called on the Xunta and the Provincial Council to match the financial commitment that he claims exists for other Spanish candidacies. He criticised the Galician government for questioning the timelines and funding for Vigo, noting that it was willing to cover 25% of the comprehensive renovation of the Riazor stadium in A Coruña.
“For A Coruña, they were prepared to contribute €20 million annually, and for Vigo, we are asking for nine. There is no reason for the Xunta not to participate,” he asserted, also dismissing concerns that the works could not be completed on time.
Caballero responded to statements made by the Provincial Council, maintaining that the submitted agreement already includes the planned actions, budget, and distribution of contributions. “We need to work together for the World Cup, cooperate, and co-finance the project. That is why I demand an urgent meeting with the presidents of the Xunta and the Provincial Council to finalise the agreement,” he insisted, assuring that the Concello will continue collaborating with Real Club Celta on the infrastructure preparations.
