The mayor of Vigo, Abel Caballero, has submitted a proposal for a funding agreement to the presidents of the Xunta de Galicia, Alfonso Rueda, and the Diputación de Pontevedra, Luis López. This agreement aims to finance the infrastructure needed for the city to serve as a host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Caballero announced plans for a total investment of €107,548,994, which would be shared equally among the three administrations involved: the Concello (city council), the Xunta (regional government), and the Diputación (provincial council). Each body would contribute approximately €35.8 million.
Key infrastructure projects
Central to the proposal is the construction of a new stand at the Balaídos stadium, which is budgeted at €86,721,994. This project aims to increase the stadium's capacity to meet FIFA requirements. The funding will also cover modifications to existing facilities, including the relocation of drainage systems and the removal of the current stand.
In addition to the new stand, the proposal allocates €11,727,000 for various sports infrastructure improvements, which include two training fields and enhancements to existing stands. Each administration would contribute approximately €3.9 million to this segment of the project.
Furthermore, €9.1 million is earmarked for organisational expenses related to the World Cup, with each body contributing around €3 million. This funding will support the organising committee, volunteer programmes, and city services associated with the event.
Long-term vision for Balaídos
Caballero emphasised the importance of this agreement, stating that Vigo has been working on the transformation of Balaídos for over a decade, with previous investments exceeding €60 million in other stands. He expressed confidence that the city is well-positioned to meet FIFA's requirements due to this extensive groundwork.
The mayor also highlighted that Vigo's candidacy was presented to FIFA and the Royal Spanish Football Federation on 25 April 2023, with confirmation of its status as a host city received during a meeting of the Interministerial Commission for the World Cup on 2 June 2026.
“We are ready to meet all FIFA requirements because we began the Balaídos renovation over ten years ago,” Caballero stated, urging the Xunta and Diputación to sign the agreement to secure funding for the new stand and complete the necessary investments. “This process cannot be halted now,” he concluded.
