"Isn't 64 countries too much?" International soccer community shows signs of division over expansion of WC participants in 2030

"Isn't 64 countries too much?" International soccer community shows signs of division over expansion of WC participants in 2030

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The international soccer community is showing signs of division over the proposal to expand the number of participating countries to 64 at the 2030 FIFA World Cup to mark the 100th anniversary. While Latin America and other countries have insisted on expanding the number, Europe and Asia have voiced opposition.
Major foreign media, including Reuters and AP, recently reported that Alejandro Dominguez, president of the South American Football Federation (CONMEBOL), proposed to increase the number of participating countries in the 2030 World Cup from the current 48 to 64.

At the meeting, Dominguez said, "The 100th anniversary World Cup should be held in a special way. 64 countries across the three continents should celebrate and celebrate the occasion. It's not a bad idea to have as many countries as possible participate." In a video conference of the FIFA Council in March, Uruguayan Football Association President Ignacio Alonso proposed 64 countries participating in the 100th anniversary World Cup.

The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, but the first three matches including the opening match will be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. As many as three continents will be held simultaneously.

However, massive confusion is inevitable. Even the 48-nation conference did not take place. Thirty-two countries participated in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, but the scope will be expanded to 48 from the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and copyright. Aside from concerns that the quality of the tournament could deteriorate due to the participation of smaller soccer players, it is practically impossible to carry out a tight schedule in various continents. Each has a lot of factors to consider, including time difference and travel time.

Of course, many are against it. At a recent UEFA meeting held in Serbia, Alexender Cheperin, president of the Union of European Football Associations, shook his head, saying, "It is a very bad idea to expand the number of participants in the World Cup." While expressing his personal opinion, he stressed that excessive expansion of the tournament would not help the World Cup marketing and could undermine the meaning of the qualifying matches taking place in different continents.

Sheikh Salman bin Al-Khalifa, chairman of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), told the AFC General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, "It is difficult to agree on a plan to expand the number of countries to participate. The 48-nation system has been confirmed. If it changes this way, someone could ask for 132 countries. There is no reason to cause confusion." 메이저사이트

First of all, FIFA has no official position, but it is close to 'yes'. They have been striving to increase profits and maximize global marketing effects. "We need to consider temporary expansion of our countries," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. There is a possibility that official discussions will begin at the FIFA General Assembly in May.