MADRID: Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata was left out of Spain’s World Cup squad, announced on Monday.
Morata paid the price for a disappointing debut season in the Premier League as Spain coach Julen Lopetegui picked Iago Aspas and Rodrigo Moreno up front, along with Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa.
“The decision is always difficult because of the talent of the players we have,” Lopetegui said.
“We have opted for three other players who had different assets and including four players up front was not something we wanted to do.”
Two more Chelsea players also missed out as Marcos Alonso and Cesc Fabregas were not included in the 23-man group.
Morata’s absence was the stand-out decision, however, even if it was not an entirely surprising one given the 25-year-old’s dramatic dip in form.
After scoring seven goals in his first seven games for Chelsea, a back injury seemed to affect his confidence. Morata has scored only three times in 22 games since the turn of the year.
“I’ve talked to the players I had to talk to,” Lopetegui said. “I’m not going to name anybody, but there are players who had to find out from me that they were not going to be on the list.”
In contrast, Aspas and Moreno have been in excellent form for Celta Vigo and Valencia respectively, with Aspas the top Spanish scorer in La Liga on 22 goals.
Costa is expected to start when Spain open up against Portugal in Group B on June 15 but Aspas, with his speed and direct running, remains an attractive option.
Alonso only made his debut in a friendly against Argentina in March and lost out to Arsenal’s Nacho Monreal. Fabregas fell behind Spain’s impressive wealth of options in midfield, which will include Sergio Busquets, Saul Niguez, Koke, Thiago Alcantara, Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Isco, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez.
Manchester United’s David de Gea was included as expected, along with fellow goalkeepers Pepe Reina and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta did make it in, as did Monreal. Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Odriozola, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Nacho and Jordi Alba complete Spain’s group of defenders.
“I’ve had several doubts, making a list of 23 is very difficult,” Lopetegui said. “But we have decided this was the most balanced decision and the one we think will help us most at the World Cup.”
Morata misses out on Spain World Cup squad
Morata misses out on Spain World Cup squad
Macron congratulates Mohammed Ben Sulayem on reelection as FIA’s president
- French president gives assurance of his determination to continue strengthening historic partnership
DUBAI: Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, also known as the FIA, has been congratulated on his reelection to the post by French President Emmanuel Macron, who also gave an assurance of his determination to continue strengthening the historic partnership between France and the FIA.
In a letter to Ben Sulayem, Macron said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on your reelection as president of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), following the vote held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Dec. 12.
“In this regard, and further to our recent meeting at the Elysee Palace alongside other representatives of the automotive world, please be assured of my determination to continue strengthening the historic partnership between France and the FIA.
“Wishing you every success in this new term of office, please accept ... the assurance of my highest regards.”
The meeting at the Elysee Palace in November highlighted shared priorities of the FIA and France across motorsport, road safety, mobility, and the protection of young people online.
France holds a unique place in the federation’s history with the FIA’s headquarters situated in Paris, and this was further highlighted during the meeting as the FIA confirmed the renewal of its commitment to France as one of its key centres of excellence.
Speaking at length, the leaders celebrated France’s pivotal role in global motorsport, from historic events such as the Paris–Rouen Trial in 1894 to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which continues to attract thousands of spectators and generates significant impact, supporting over 1,000 full-time jobs and contributing about $190 million to the French economy.
Macron and Ben Sulayem also discussed France’s representation in the FIA Formula One Championship, the French talent competing across the FIA World Championships, the contributions of French manufacturers and promoters in shaping international motorsport, and support for the facilitation of visas for global FIA delegates attending meetings in Paris.
Macron and Ben Sulayem were joined by Yann de Pontbriand — president of the Automobile Club de France, one of the FIA’s original members and the world’s first automobile club, which was founded in 1895 — and Pierre Gosselin, president of the Federation Francaise du Sport Automobile.
The parties discussed the central role clubs play alongside the FIA in promoting safe and responsible mobility and motorsport, alongside France’s historic contribution to the sectors.
Macron and Ben Sulayem exchanged views on initiatives to make mobility safer, more affordable, and more sustainable, such as the newly launched FIA Driver Safety Index, a first-of-its-kind global benchmark developed to measure and compare driver risk using cutting-edge AI technology.
Protecting young drivers and promoting respect online was another key topic. The leaders discussed the FIA’s United Against Online Abuse campaign, which aligns closely with France’s policies on social media safety for children.
