MARRAKECH (REUTERS) - Most football associations in the world back increasing the size of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 teams from 32, with some matches to be played in neighbouring countries, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said on Thursday (Jan 17).
Infantino told a news conference the Qataris were open to the larger format. Fifa would make a decision no later than June, once a feasibility study is over, he said.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt launched a diplomatic and trade boycott of Qatar in June 2017 that has complicated the prospect of sharing the tournament.
The countries accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism, which it denies.
"We are doing football not politics," Infantino said.
Fifa voted in 2017 to increase the size of the tournament to 48 teams starting from 2026 but, since then, Infantino has been considering the possibility of bringing the change forward to 2022.
"Most football association across the globe hope for opening up the World Cup to more teams," he said, lamenting that continental champions such as Cameroon, Chile and the United States were absent from last year's World Cup after failing to qualify.
Â
Â
"If it is possible to organise a 48-team World Cup in Qatar with some games in neighbouring countries, that will be great," he said.
Infantino said it was "premature" to speak of a planned joint bid from Spain, Portugal and Morocco for the 2030 World Cup, which would be the first time countries from different continents had applied to stage the tournament.
"I welcome all bids. The more the better," he said.
Infantino was speaking following a Fifa executive summit in Marrakech which brought together some 60 football associations.
The Project Gutenberg eBook, Where the Pavement Ends, by John Russell This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
Angel Di Maria expects there to be "a big change" at Paris Saint-Germain following their failure to get beyond the last 16 in the Champions League this season.. The Ligue 1 giants were beaten 5-2
Angel Di Maria's night of redemption: PSG winger stars on
'We looked like schoolboys', says Suarez after Barca crumble again Soccer Football - Champions League Semi Final Second Leg - Liverpool v FC Barcelona - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - May 7
Luis Suarez: We looked like schoolboys at Anfield - Daily Nation
Football: Mourinho concedes Man United incapable of living with Liverpool Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho gestures at Anfield, Liverpool, Britain, on Dec 16, 2018. PHOTO: REUTERS
Mourinho concedes Man United incapable of living with
Allegri leaves behind 'solid' Juventus. Coach Massimiliano Allegri celebrating Juventus' Serie A win with his players after beating Fiorentina 2-1 at home on April 20. PHOTO: REUTERS.
Allegri leaves behind 'solid' Juventus - theworldnews.net
Jordan Henderson has revealed his honest thoughts on Declan Rice's England call-up (Pic: GETTY). Rice has spent this week training with the Three Lions for the first time following his controversial decision to snub the Republic of Ireland in favour of Gareth Southgate's men.
Jordan Henderson admits he is in Jordan Pickford's debt
Jurgen Klopp's men needed to overturn a three-goal deficit from the first leg to book their place in the Champions League final and they did just that and Emery will be wary of Valencia taking
Arsenal vs Valencia - Ramsey will not play for Arsenal again
Football: Wolves deepen Cardiff's relegation plight with 2-0 win WOLVERHAMPTON, England (REUTERS) - Wolverhampton Wanderers put their recent shaky Premier League form behind them to ease past Cardiff City 2-0 on Saturday (March 2) and leave the Welsh team in the relegation zone after a third straight defeat.
Wolves deepen Cardiff's relegation plight with 2-0 win
Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain, who will join the club on loan from Juventus until the end of the season, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. Higuain joins Chelsea after his year-long loan spell with AC Milan was cut to less than six months.
Chelsea complete loan deal for Juventus striker Gonzalo
Does Lebron lack Mental Toughness? It seems to me that he has physical strength but lacks mental strength. The playoffs are really more of a mental challenge than a physical one, and I think lebron is mentally still a child, until he gets his head under control I don't think he's ever going to win a championship.
The Straits Times - Breaking News, Lifestyle & Multimedia News
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola predicts his side will "suffer" against fourth-tier Newport County in their FA Cup fifth round match on Saturday but has urged his players to adapt to a battered playing surface at Rodney Parade.
Guardiola expects Man City to suffer in tricky trip to Newport
Read Kahoot! blog for latest product news, articles on the future of learning, tips from teachers, as well as exciting new games!
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen