River Plate president Rodolfo D’Onofrio has said the Argentine Superliga football club is analysing two stadium options as it seeks to ensure its home plays a key role in the country’s potential co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The Buenos Aires giant currently occupies El Monumental, the 70,000-capacity stadium it has called home since 1938. Speaking to Argentine broadcaster Fox Sports, D’Onofrio said River is weighing up whether to redevelop El Monumental or build an entirely new stadium. He added that stadium development is “no longer a dream, we are trying to transform it into reality”.
D’Onofrio acknowledged that moving to a new site would be unpopular, but added that “we must move forward, we must have a stadium for 80,000 people, roofed, modern, that allows Argentina to host the 2030 World Cup.”
In April, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay stepped forward with their joint bid for the 2030 World Cup by announcing the breakdown of how the 12 host cities for the national team tournament would be split between the three South American countries.
While the identities of potential hosts were not disclosed, it was announced that Argentina would have eight host cities, with two apiece in Paraguay and Uruguay.
D’Onofrio added: “Everybody has the right to say, but I think we have a huge opportunity, because River can do a modern stadium. Liberti built the Monumental in a place where there was only water, why cannot we?”
Image: Fulviusbsas
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