Barcelona renounces hosting the next Copa América

Jordi Valls, deputy mayor responsible for Economy, Finance, Economic Promotion and Tourism of the Barcelona City Council explained today, Wednesday: «At the time, during 2021, Barcelona needed an event like this because it was experiencing a certain decline as a result of Covid-19 and the independence process».

He added: «When we hosted the Copa América we had objectives and purposes and having the Copa América was an opportunity to demonstrate that we had the capacity to host a global sporting event, with the objectives of reinforcing the international image of Barcelona, ​​promoting the sport of sailing and such as developing what is now called ‘blue economy’, for the city to take more responsibility for what climate change represents and accelerate investments that should be made in the coastal environment, such as the remodeling of the Port Olímpic.

According to Valls, another edition will not be accepted because, “The legacy or purpose that we had between 2021 and 2024 has been achieved and it no longer contributes anything to extend it until 2026, much less make an investment of public resources for something that we have already achieved.”

“If there is the possibility of private initiatives – that invest for the next edition -, we will be happy to listen, but as a public sector we will not do it”he added.

The reaction of Grant Dalton, who had indicated his intention to continue in Barcelona, ​​was reflected in a statement from Emirates Team New Zealand early last night, Tuesday, in which the top leader of the organization of the 37th America’s Cup, considered this edition a great success and that, “This represents more teams and greater overall expansion opportunities. It would be difficult to expand the number of teams depending on the infrastructure space available in Barcelona.”he stressed.

In the first instance it seemed that the decision not to continue was Dalton’s own, who did not want to make any statements about it, especially since hours before the City Council had already informed him of the decision.

The curious thing is that Grant Dalton already had the commitment of several teams such as the Italian Luna Ross, Swiss Alinghi, the French Orient Express or INEOS itself to follow the next edition if it were held in Barcelona. Even Port Vell in Barcelona had already indicated at the time that it could host the bases of two more teams if necessary.

Given this situation, Emirates Team New Zealand and INEOS Britannia, the Challenger of Record or first challenger, must prepare the Protocol (Regulations) for the 38th edition and as for the venue, candidates are already beginning to apply.

The first is Valencia, which already hosted the Copa América in 2007 – with 12 teams – and 2010 and from various media it was already pointed out that if Barcelona presented an offer to host again, the city was willing to improve the Barcelona offer.

Talks have already been held between the Valencia City Council and the Generalitat Valencia with Team New Zealand and the president of the Generalitat himself, Carlos Mazón, has already declared: «I have done, I do and I will do everything necessary for the Copa América to return to its home, which is Valencia. “I’m not going to give up.”.

There is talk of a possible offer of 80 million euros and that even instead of 2026 it could be moved to 2027 with an increase in teams and the possibility of a Spanish challenger.

«It is an issue on which we are working calmly and prudently. It’s something I already said during the election campaign. It is true that previous governments, both regional and local, gave up and lost the opportunity.stated Mayor María José Catalá.

«The 2007 Copa América meant that many members of the teams came to live in Valencia and many stayed. It is not a one-off tourism but a permanent economic impact over time and, in that sense, when there is an impact that remains and is positive, it must be valued in another way.he concluded.

After the success achieved by Emirates Team New Zealand in Barcelona, ​​no team had ever won three consecutive Cups (2017, 2021 and 2024), in New Zealand many voices in the opposition to the government have already asked for the Cup to be held again in their home country. country.

Opposition leaders in government and in the country’s boating industry, such as New Zealand businessman Sir Ian Taylor, have reminded the government that, “Behind the eight-man crew in the water are 150 people, many of them leaders in their field in design, engineering and technology. “All of them would be guaranteed more money if they signed with any of the other teams.”.

Taylor added: “So rather than saying they have abandoned New Zealand, let’s recognize the loyalty they have shown, some for more than 20 years. “Grant Dalton and his team have painted a new stage on which to promote New Zealand to the world and the time to move forward in that regard is now.”

At the moment, the New Zealand government has said that if Dalton presents an offer to play the Cup there it will be considered. Days ago, Grant Dalton informed the government of his country that if they called him and made him an offer, he would value it; The positions are very far apart.

And in this situation, it could be the case that if the Copa América continued in Europe, INEOS Britannia, owned by magnate Jim Ratacliffe and the British government, could offer Southampton in the United Kingdom as a venue, but a new and more than Possible bidder: the Arab Emirates, specifically Dubai.

In terms of canon for hosting the Copa América it would have no rival; In terms of time for television coverage, the time difference with Europe is two hours more and with New York it is 8 hours less.

Although it is true that when the Copa América is held in the Northern Hemisphere the dates are from May 1 to October 30 and the competition would take place between June and July, with somewhat high temperatures and with light winds of 8-12 knots ( 14 to 22 km/h). A complicated election, but the door to candidates is open.