For Blatter read bloater, Jose!

NOW, even Jose Mourinho is at it. A FORTY-EIGHT team World Cup.

In what amounted to little more than a press release for FIFA’s barking mad idea, Mourinho gave an interview to the body’s website.

“I’m totally in favour,” he said. “The expansion means the World Cup will be even more of an incredible social event … more passion, more happiness, more enthusiasm.”

An incredible social event? Maybe. But if you were to pick hosts for an event, I doubt you’d pick Russia or, more pertinently, Qatar.

The proposed expansion will come into effect for the 2026 tournament, with the likelihood being 16 groups of three with the top two qualifying for a knockout stage.

Never mind that final group games probably won’t be allowed to end in a draw to stave off threats of collusion, the World Cup should be an ELITE competition, not a “social event” to which everyone is welcome.

Most sensible football people know what it amounts to – newish president Gianni Infantino adopting a Sepp Blatter-esque populist policy to ensure a long and lucrative reign. Not, though, Mourinho (above). He might be right. It might be “an incredible social event”.

But you can be sure he will be taking his usual holiday when the bloated festival is taking place.

THIS is the weekend when traditionalists bemoan what has become of the FA Cup, three o’clock Saturday kick-offs, balls in a velvet bag, Question of Sport specials. Memories of a sepia era. But at least the attitude of Premier League clubs to these early stages gives their supporters a tantalising look at the exciting talent coming through the ranks … before it is packed off on loan never to be seen again.

WHAT Hull City vice-chairman Ehab Allam said: “Marco Silva is a young coach who has impressed us with his philosophy and football style.”

What Allam didn’t say: “Marco’s agent is Jorge Mendes and if we employ his man, he will sort us out with a few players and find me a buyer to take this place off my hands.”