Soccer’s world governing body, FIFA has approved a grand plan to transform the World Cup by increasing the number of teams from 32 to
48 after a vote by the congress on Tuesday.
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According to CNN, The addition of 16 more teams will mean
groups are reduced from four to three sides, with swifter progression to
the knockout stages.
Each nation
will play the others in its group once, with the top two progressing to
an enlarged knockout round comprising 32 teams. The number of games will
rise from 64 to 80 but the competition will remain at 32 days in
length.
will play the others in its group once, with the top two progressing to
an enlarged knockout round comprising 32 teams. The number of games will
rise from 64 to 80 but the competition will remain at 32 days in
length.
It also guarantees each
team will have at least two matches — Infantino’s initial plan
envisaged a playoff round before the main group stage to eliminate 16
teams.
team will have at least two matches — Infantino’s initial plan
envisaged a playoff round before the main group stage to eliminate 16
teams.
Currently, the World Cup involves eight groups of four, with the top two going through the last 16 knockout round.
FIFA
said: “The decision was taken following a thorough analysis, based on a
report that included four different format options.
said: “The decision was taken following a thorough analysis, based on a
report that included four different format options.
“The
study took into account such factors as sporting balance, competition
quality, impact on football development, infrastructure, projections on
financial position and the consequences for event delivery.”
study took into account such factors as sporting balance, competition
quality, impact on football development, infrastructure, projections on
financial position and the consequences for event delivery.”
It added that the make up of the extra 16 slots would be discussed at further FIFA Council meetings.
The smaller nations and those on the fringes of qualification for one of the world’s showpiece sporting occasions. FIFA
said the motion was carried “unanimously,” while Infantino had spoken
at a conference in Dubai last month of confederations being
“overwhelmingly” in favor.
said the motion was carried “unanimously,” while Infantino had spoken
at a conference in Dubai last month of confederations being
“overwhelmingly” in favor.
Federations
from Africa and Asia are especially keen, as they make up 110 of FIFA’s
211 members, but are traditionally under represented at the World Cup.
from Africa and Asia are especially keen, as they make up 110 of FIFA’s
211 members, but are traditionally under represented at the World Cup.
The allocation of the new slots will be discussed after the plans have been ratified by FIFA’s congress.
Though
Infantino insisted it wasn’t a financial decision, FIFA estimates an
extra $1 billion in revenue will be generated by an enlarged tournament.
Infantino insisted it wasn’t a financial decision, FIFA estimates an
extra $1 billion in revenue will be generated by an enlarged tournament.