The World Cup could be expanded by eight teams to 40 if UEFA Secretary General Gianni Infantino is elected as the FIFA president, according to the AP. Infantino, "the face of European competition draws" in his current role, revealed his first plans to transform FIFA after making a "surprising late decision to enter the election." European football "scrambled to find a candidate as a substitute" for Infantino's superior, suspended UEFA President Michel Platini, after he was provisionally suspended by FIFA. Infantino "has worked in Platini's shadow, implementing the president's vision from financial fair play for clubs to expanding the European Championship from 16 to 24 teams" starting with next summer's tournament. Infantino: "I believe in expanding the World Cup based on the experience we had in Europe with the Euros." The proposal "could help Infantino collect votes" from some of the smaller FIFA members outside Europe. He said, "I don't have a European vision. I have a vision for football" (AP, 11/10). The BBC reported Infantino said that he will "withdraw from the race" if Platini is allowed to stand. FIFA may permit Platini's bid if his 90-day ban ends before the election on Feb. 26. Infantino: "My candidacy is not in opposition to Michel. If he is able to stand, I will withdraw. It's a simple principle of loyalty. But right now I am a candidate 100% and I'm moving forward" (BBC, 11/10).
