2022 expansion unlikely

ZURICH: The chances of expanding the 2022 World Cup from 32 to 48 teams are slim, Fifa president Gianni Infantino admits.

Infantino confirmed yesterday the Fifa Council will decide on the issue at its March 1415 meeting in Miami, and he also expects a decision there on the introduction of an expanded Club World Cup and global Nations League.

Fifa has already approved the expansion to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and it is now looking into a South American proposal to have 48 teams in 2022 in Qatar as well.

But Infantino is sceptical, saying: ‘‘The chance is slim. We are trying it.

‘‘It would be great if it works out but it is also great if it doesn’t work out. We will have a great tournament, no matter what.’’

By the time of the Miami meeting a Fifa task force, headed by Infantino, will have completed its look into the controversial Club World Cup and Nations League issue, which is backed by $US25 billion from so far unnamed investors, the Fifa boss said.

The task force was set up recently due to pressure from critics within the Fifa Council, mainly from

Europe, who want more information. —