World Cup 2022 Qatar to be expanded to 48 teams as Infantino ignores Uefa to force through plans
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has stuck two fingers up to Europe to force through plans for a 24-team Club World Cup and expand Qatar 2022 to 48 teams.
Infantino was slammed by Europe’s big clubs, including the Prem giants, for his proposal to bring in the new tournament from the summer of 2021..
The European Clubs Association, representing 232 clubs, said in a letter to Fifa: “We are firmly against any proposal of a Club World Cup at this point in time. No ECA clubs would take part in such a competition.”
He also faced fierce opposition from Uefa’s members of Fifa’s ruling Council, including FA chairman Greg Clarke.
But Infantino was backed by the other five confederations, including South America, on both issues.
Infantino revealed: “There was a vote and Uefa didn’t agree.
“But I am happy. We voted for a real Club World Cup, which will have a fantastic impact on football worldwide.
“We hope all the greatest teams will participate.”
Fifa privately believe that the potential £100m on offer for the winners of the tournament will ensure eight major European clubs will break ranks and take part.
And Infantino said the 2022 World Cup would be extended to 48 teams from 32, and involve other neighbouring Gulf countries – probably Oman and Kuwait – as co-hosts, as long as Qatar agrees.
He said: “When we asked, 90 per cent of the national associations were in favour of increasing to 48 teams.
“If we go up to 48 it will have to be played in other countries.
“Now we have to speak with Qatar and see if it can be done.
“If it happens, fantastic. If not, fantastic. But we will not have regrets. We will have tried.”
Infantino is putting the screws on Qatar but a final call will be made at the annual Congress in Paris in June.