FIFA President Gianni InfantinoGETTY IMAGES
FIFA President 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," according to the AFP. Although FIFA is intent on 48-team future editions of the World Cup from '26, a decision on Qatar will not be known until next year. Infantino said, "We'll decide in March. We've already decided that future editions should feature 48 teams, we all think it's a good idea." Due to the "soaring summer temperatures," the competition has been shortened by three days -- a factor that "could be decisive in the considerations" on the 48-team format. Infantino: "It's not easy because it will be played over 28 days, instead of 31 for a normal World Cup" (AFP, 12/10).
'POLITICAL ISSUE': FOOTBALL ITALIA reported Serie A side Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis hit out at Financial Fair Play, saying, "It doesn't work, it's not applied ... it's always a political issue." UEFA "introduced the measures to try and ensure financial stability," but the likes of Man City and Paris St. Germain have been "accused of circumventing it." De Laurentiis said, "If it was applied then half of Serie A would have to close down. UEFA do what they can, but it's always a political issue, and anyone who takes a stand is obnoxious" (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 12/10).
