Decision in March on 48-team 2022 World Cup, says Infantino

Pooya

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Sep 23, 2004
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www.IranSportsPress.com
#1
Gianni Infantino reiterated that FIFA will decide in March whether the 2022 World Cup could be extended to include 48 teams but conceded it was not a simple decision.

Thirty-two teams contested this year's World Cup in Russia, widely feted as one of the most entertaining editions of the modern era.

Although FIFA is intent on 48-team future editions of the World Cup from 2026, a decision on Qatar won't be known until next year.

"We'll decide in March," Infantino said Sunday on French TV show Telefoot.

"We've already decided that future editions should feature 48 teams, we all think it's a good idea."

When the next edition is held in Qatar, it will be the first to be held in the Arab world and the first in a majority-muslim country.

Due to the soaring summer temperatures, it will be held over November-December instead of the European summer months of June and July.

As a result, the competition has been shortened by three days -- a factor that could be decisive in the considerations on the 48-team format.

"It's not easy because it will be played over 28 days, instead of 31 for a normal World Cup," said Infantino.

In March, FIFA will hold a meeting in Miami, where it could also decide whether neighbouring countries could be allowed to host some of Qatar 2022's games.

"Why not, if it's feasible ?" added Infantino.

"We're talking to Qatar about the possibility of holding some matches in nearby countries.

"Why not dream, it's not impossible."

Source: https://www.afp.com/en/news/824/decision-march-48-team-2022-world-cup-says-infantino-doc-1bg8701
 
Feb 4, 2005
25,247
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#3
The only good thing about 48 teams world cup is I can ignore the boring qualification process for almost 2 years and sit down and see the teams that had no business of being in WC getting kicked out in the first few games.
 

IEI

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Nov 10, 2002
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#4
The only good thing about 48 teams world cup is I can ignore the boring qualification process for almost 2 years and sit down and see the teams that had no business of being in WC getting kicked out in the first few games.
But coaches find the team chemistry during qualifications.
 

OSTAD POOYA

National Team Player
Jan 26, 2004
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#6
The whole 48 team format is pure bullshit... Come on. Only playing 2 games in the world cup in a group of 3 is also pure bullshit. what's the excitement in that? Play so many useless games and qualify easily and then only play 2 games with chances of 1 of the teams being a shit team. FIFA is a joke literally and only going after money. Not real competition
 
Oct 1, 2004
8,122
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#7
Who though? Qatar is not in a good relation with UAE or Kuwait, and I really dont think they let Iran or Saudi host !
Saudi and UAE are pressuring Infantino to do this.
They're also trying to finance an entirely new tournament with a Japanese bank, so Infantino has become a nokar to them.
 

OSTAD POOYA

National Team Player
Jan 26, 2004
4,678
426
#8
The whole 48 team format is pure bullshit... Come on. Only playing 2 games in the world cup in a group of 3 is also pure bullshit. what's the excitement in that? Play so many useless games and qualify easily and then only play 2 games with chances of 1 of the teams being a shit team. FIFA is a joke literally and only going after money. Not real competition

Can you elaborate please.