Luis de la Fuente defends RFEF after Finalissima collapse

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has defended the Royal Spanish Football Federation after the collapse of the planned Finalissima with Argentina, saying the responsibility for the fixture's failure lay with the South American nation. The match, which would have paired the European and world champions, never materialised despite months of planning.

At a press conference before the international break he said the RFEF had been prepared to stage the game in Doha and insisted Spain wanted to play. "You all know that my intention was to play in the Finalissima. I've always said that. Playing against Argentina, winning a title - both I and the RFEF were ready to play this match," he said.

"Two can't play if one doesn't want to, and we wanted to play. I've always said that." He called it a "unique match" and said it was important to test players who could help Spain compete at the World Cup, noting the squad had not met since November. He added that planning for Doha had been well advanced.

Spain, Argentina, Doha

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