Six neighborhood associations in San Sebastián have asked Fifa to remove the city as a venue for the 2030 men’s World Cup, arguing that hosting the event will worsen living conditions and further exacerbate the commercialization of the city. The letter, which the city’s mayor criticized, comes after San Sebastián was named one of the 11 Spanish venues for the tournament, which will also take place in Morocco and Portugal. The associations have accused tourism growth in the city of having a “brutal effect,” with residents being displaced and public spaces reshaped. The mayor disputed the associations’ stance, stating that San Sebastián should be proud of its ability to organize sporting events. Fifa has not yet responded to the request.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/apr/08/san-sebastian-locals-write-to-fifa-saying-they-dont-want-to-host-2030-world-cup