San Sebastián and its 2030 World Cup in danger: The recent decision of several neighborhood associations in Donostia-San Sebastián to send a letter to FIFA requesting that the city’s designation as the venue for the championship be revoked has generated a real political and social storm. This episode, which has already transcended the borders of the State and has been picked up by international media such as The Guardian, not only questions the role of the city in an event of global reach, but also puts a bitter reflection on the table again: are we San Sebastian specialists in shooting ourselves in the foot just when we are about to achieve something great? At a key moment in the venue selection process, this maneuver not only weakens our position, but also offers arguments to competing cities, like Vigo, which have already begun to make moves.
A World Cup on the tightrope for a letter
The letter, signed by a dozen neighborhood associations, expresses a direct rejection of the celebration of 2030 World Cup matches in San Sebastián. They allege reasons such as mass tourism, rising housing prices or the commercialization of urban space. Arguments that, far from representing a majority feeling, seem to respond to the same ideological groups as always that systematically oppose any advance for the city.
It is inevitable to ask about the actual damage that this letter may cause to the candidacy of San Sebastián as headquarters. At a time when the final election of the Spanish headquarters is under review, and with journalistic investigations pointing to an alleged change of plans that would place Vigo ahead of Donostia, the initiative of these associations could not come at a worse time. More than a letter, it seems like an invitation to get off the World Cup train.
Mayor Goia responds: “the no club”
Faced with the controversy, Mayor Eneko Goia has not hesitated to describe the initiative as “one more example of the no club”, in reference to those sectors that, under a false banner of citizen participation, systematically oppose key projects for the development of San Sebastian.
From this medium, which has been critical of Goia in such controversial decisions as the implementation of the Low Emissions Zone (ZBE), we recognize that on this occasion your position is more than correct. Defending San Sebastián to host a world-class event is not only a matter of international image, but also a historic opportunity to boost the economy, attract investment and place the city on the global sports map.
San Sebastián and its 2030 World Cup in danger… because of a few
The underlying problem is much more serious. This letter not only calls into question Anoeta’s candidacy as a World Cup venue; has also served as ammunition for those competing for that spot. The mayor of Vigo has already mobilized, and some information suggests that his intervention could be tipping the balance in favor of the Galician city.
The international echo of the controversy has not been long in coming. The Guardian published an article summarizing the concerns expressed by neighborhood associations. Furthermore, the British media linked a post from this same website in its English version, giving international visibility to the debate generated from San Sebastián. A sign that this debate has already left the local level, and is now also being played in the international media arena.
Of course, it is worth pointing out that not all the signatory associations belong to the historic center, as suggested in the article in the British media.
When the local becomes an obstacle
Instead of rowing together for a unique opportunity, we once again see how certain sectors raise the flag of their permanent opposition. It is the same pattern that we have already seen in other debates: cruise ships, tourism, festivals… and now, the World Cup.
Is it legitimate to have concerns? Of course. Is it sensible to launch an international public offensive against your own city in the middle of the venue selection phase? Clearly not.
An opportunity that we cannot miss
San Sebastián and its 2030 World Cup in danger should not be the headline of this story, but it is. Because this controversial letter has introduced doubts where there was illusion, division where there was consensus, and weakness at a time when we should show strength.
The 2030 World Cup can be a transformative event for Donostia. And if we have learned anything from previous editions in other cities around the world, it is that the true impact depends on how it is managed and how united the local community is. Unfortunately, today that is in question.
Conclusion
From DescubreDonostia.com, we encourage you to rethink the role we want to play as a city. Criticism, yes. Participatory, too. But not self-destructive. We still have time to correct course and ensure that San Sebastián is where it deserves to be: in the global showcase.
