Expansion on cards at talks for Qatar

THE Qatar World Cup in 2022 is not only pressing ahead, but expansion to 48 teams remains a possibility.

Talks will take place this week that could determine whether the controversial rise from 32 teams will be brought forward four years.

Such a move may require the inclusion of a co-host, but the political climate in the Middle East leaves that a long shot — with the impasse continuing since Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the UAE cut ties with Qatar a year ago.

It is understood FIFA chiefs — including president Gianni Infantino, who has championed the 48-team World Cup and oversaw Euro 2016’s expansion from 16 to 24 teams — have been buoyed by developments at Russia 2018.

Italy, the Netherlands, Chile and US all missed out, while in a tournament of upsets, Russia has perhaps given the pro-48 team camp most cause for optimism.

Entering the World Cup as the lowest ranked of the 32 contestants (No.70) and written off by home fans, Russia produced a string of stunning results — headlined by a round of 16 win over Spain — to reach the quarter-finals.

Qatar 2022 organisers are open to expansion, saying it can hold a 48-team event itself, despite having only eight stadiums (Russia 2018 and Brazil 2014 each had 12) in the tiny Gulf state.

A 48-team World Cup would dilute qualifying, but FIFA chiefs believe it could turbocharge the main event into an economic behemoth and help fast-track developing nations.