“Idea was noted”
© Imago
FIFA is examining a advance for a new expansion of the World Cup participant field to 64 teams at the anniversary tournament 2030. The proposal was brought in shortly before the most recent meeting of the FIFA Council, the World Football Association confirmed on request. The author was a delegate from Uruguay, reported the “New York Times”. The number of participants had already been increased from 32 to 48 for the next World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
The World Cup 2030 had awarded FIFA to Spain, Morocco and Portugal as well as for an opening game to Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. In South America, the World Cup tournament is played at the start of the 100th anniversary. The tournament on three continents is already considered extremely complex and possibly questionable sporting value. Nevertheless, according to the paper, FIFA President Gianni Infantino assured that he wanted to analyze the proposal for 16 additional teams.
“The idea was noted. FIFA is obliged to check any proposal of one of its Council members, ”said the umbrella organization. The advance at the meeting was initially accepted with astonished silence, the “New York Times” reported, citing participants.