Ceferin Opposes Expansion of World Cup to 64 Teams

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin voiced strong⁣ opposition to expanding ⁣the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams at a meeting ⁤in ‍Belgrade on⁢ Thursday. Ceferin believes the proposed expansion would negatively impact the tournament’s quality and the ⁤qualification process.FIFA is still considering the proposal put forth by Ignacio Alonso, president of the ‌Uruguayan Football Association, and is ​conducting a study on its ⁣feasibility.

World Cup Expansion Already underway

The upcoming World Cup in 2026, hosted by the United States, Canada, and ‌Mexico, will already⁤ see a important increase in participating teams, expanding from⁤ 32 to 48 nations. This ⁢expansion will also increase the number of matches from 64 to 104.

Ceferin: Expansion‌ a ‘Bad Idea’

“I think that ⁣is a bad idea,” Ceferin⁣ stated,according to De Telegraaf. “It is not good for the World Cup itself and not ⁣good for our qualifications. So I will not support that proposal.” His stance contrasts with recent trends toward expanding international​ tournaments.

Infantino Hopes for russia’s Return

FIFA President Gianni‌ Infantino also addressed the‍ ban on Russia, expressing his hope that the nation, currently at war with Ukraine, ⁤will be welcomed back into the fold soon. “That is what we have to strive for, because ‍that is what this sport is all about: not about the differences, but about bringing people together,”⁤ said Infantino.Ceferin⁣ echoed this sentiment, stating, ‌”If the war​ stops, Russia will be allowed again.”

Here are two PAA (People Also Ask) related questions, suitable for‍ inclusion under the provided Q&A,‍ each on a new line:

Ceferin Opposes ⁤expansion of World Cup to 64 Teams: Q&A

Dive deeper into the​ controversy surrounding potential World cup⁣ expansions with these key questions adn answers:

Q&A

Why is⁢ Aleksander Ceferin against expanding the ‌World Cup to 64 teams?

Ceferin, the UEFA president, believes a‍ 64-team tournament would diminish the quality‌ of ​the‌ competition⁤ and negatively impact ⁣European qualification processes. He thinks it’s a “bad idea.”

What’s the current ‌plan for World Cup expansion?

The 2026 World Cup,‍ co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, ‌will⁣ already ‍expand from‍ 32 to 48 teams, increasing the number⁣ of matches⁤ from 64 to 104.

Who proposed the 64-team expansion?

The proposal is being considered by FIFA and was put forth⁢ by ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association.

What ⁤are the potential​ downsides‌ of World ⁢Cup expansion,‍ according to Ceferin?

Ceferin believes expansion will hurt the ​overall quality of ⁤the World Cup and create ‍unwanted changes to European⁤ qualification.

What‌ about⁢ russia’s potential return to international football?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin both⁤ hope Russia, currently banned due to the war in Ukraine, can⁢ return to competition once⁤ the war ends. ‌This highlights a ‌commitment to the unifying power of sport.

Will this expansion be a ​done deal?

No, FIFA is still considering the proposal and is currently​ conducting a study on the⁤ idea. There ‍is no indication that a decision will be made soon.

Stay informed as the ⁤debate over World cup expansion continues. Your⁣ opinion matters!