DOHA • A "majority" of football federations support increasing the number of teams playing at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar from 32 to 48, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said in Doha on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference after a three-day Fifa summit, which was attended by more than 70 federations, he revealed that the plan enjoyed widespread backing from different associations, but admitted there were doubts about its "feasibility".
"We will see," Infantino said. "So far, of course the majority is in favour because 16 more teams can participate, not only means 16 more countries with World Cup fever, but also 50 or 60 more countries being able to dream."
A decision will be made in March at Fifa's next council meeting, after a feasibility study is completed.
The world football governing body has backed a 48-team tournament to become the norm from 2026, when the World Cup takes place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
But, with the 2022 host "open" to the idea of a 48-team tournament, Infantino is considering implementing the changes earlier.
He said: "Of course, the first partner with whom we are speaking to is the Qataris, the Qatar federation, the Qatari authorities."
However, any decision to extend the showpiece event would be beset by logistical and political problems.
The first World Cup to be held in the Middle East will take place over 28 days, not the usual 32 and, according to Infantino, the length of the tournament is set in stone.
Since the number of days cannot be changed, one option would be to host games across the region.
Yet that possibility seems remote as Qatar is at the centre of the worst diplomatic crisis to hit the Persian Gulf in years.
Since June last year, the country has been politically and economically isolated by its neighbours, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
They have accused Qatar of supporting terrorism and being too close to Iran.
Doha has denied the charges, claiming its former allies are seeking to instigate a regime change and Infantino is well aware the embargo could prove problematic.
"Of course I am not that naive, not to know, not to read the news about what is going on. But we are in football, we are not in politics," he added.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
The homes of Alves' team mates Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Thiago Silva were also broken into in November and December during matches, L'Equipe said. Burglars entered Alves house in Neuilly-sur-Seine, just outside of Paris, on Wednesday while he was playing a Ligue 1 match against Montpellier.
PSG's Dani Alves house burgled during match - L'Equipe
Recalling Origi's "lucky goal", the Portuguese supervisor additionally mocked the style by which the Reds boss celebrated the win as if it "was the final of a World Cup". EVERTON V LIVERPOOL. Singtel TV Ch102 & StarHub Ch227, Monday, 12.15am
WOMEN'S WORLD CUP TICKET PACKAGE | Cincinnati Reds
Rescuers said on Thursday they had ended the search for the plane carrying Premier League player Emiliano Sala which disappeared over the English Channel three days ago, adding the chances of
UK rescuers end search for missing plane carrying soccer
Jayhawks Unfazed By Streak, National Ranking Local Sports. Oct 4, 2018. Jay Young Sports Reporter jyoung@post-journal.com. Head coach Ashley Lund, far left, and
Geylang midfielder Azri Suhaili, 16, is third youngest to
Benno is making a late run for "defender of the year" in my totally personal and made-up end-of-season awards do. A clean sheet against some toothless Terriers always goes down well here. Cesar Azpilicueta, 2 points
Bottom at Christmas but it's not goal-shy strikers fault
Disfruta de los mejores regates, caños, taconazos y todos los detalles del crack argentino con el FC Barcelona en LaLiga Santander 2017/2018 Suscríbete al ca
Messi - FC Barcelona: News and official stats - laliga.es
Warnock proud of Cardiff response to Sala tragedy at Arsenal AFP January 29, 2019 AFP No Comments Ozil, though, failed to make an impact before being subbed 14 minutes from time as Arsenal again relied on the firepower of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette to get them out of trouble.
Manchester City's players received a heroes welcome at the Etihad Stadium after winning their second Premier League title in a row. Club captain Vincent Kompany kissed the trophy as his teammates
Guardiola: Manchester City heroes incredible with or without
Football: PSG's Dani Alves house burgled during match: Report PARIS (REUTERS) - Thieves broke in and stole luxury watches from the home of Paris St Germain's Dani Alves while the Brazilian defender was playing a match earlier this week, French sports newspaper L'Equipe reported on Saturday (Feb 23).
PSG's Dani Alves house burgled during match - L'Equipe| All
"I don't think there is any," Virgil van Dijk tells reporters of his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or after leading Liverpool to a historic sixth Champions League crown.
SBOBET | Premier League: No Warm Welcome for Liverpool in the
blog.ace7556.com/premier-league-no-warm-welcome-liverpool-in-east-end/
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool need to stay cool, though, as the temperature in the title race is beginning to get rather warm. The Premier League 2019 betting odds will stay with Liverpool as long as they keep winning; the leaders are available at 1.48 while Manchester City are at 2.70 here at SBOBET.
Limerick and Galway face test of credentials as early
MADRID (REUTERS) - Holders Real Madrid were sensationally knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday (March 5) after being thrashed 4-1 at home by an outstanding Ajax Amsterdam who overturned
Shell-shocked Real Madrid Knocked Out of Champions League by
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen