Qatar resists FIFA push to spread 2022 World Cup
MIAMI: Concerned by political and logistical impediments, Qatar World Cup organisers are planning to privately resist FIFA’S attempts to expand the 2022 World Cup to 48 teams and spread games across the Persian Gulf, a person with knowledge of the talks told The Associated Press. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was given the backing of the governing body’s ruling council on Friday to pursue his mission to enlarge the 2022 tournament from 32 to 48 teams, requiring at least two more stadiums in at least one additional country. FIFA and Qatar have until June to come up with a joint proposal to present to the congress of football nations.
REDS IN WITH A CHANCE
LONDON: Fresh from a momentous Champions League night, Liverpool can continue their feel-good factor into the international break by retaking top spot in the Premier League from Manchester City at Championship-bound Fulham on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s men delighted their manager with a 3-1 win at Bayern Munich on Wednesday and will be heavy favourites to make the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second straight season after drawing Porto in the quarters on Friday. But the Reds’ immediate focus must be on Craven Cottage to keep their challenge for a first league title in 29 years on track.
Liverpool trail the champions by a single point with just eight games remaining, but with City in FA Cup action at Swansea this weekend, they can put the pressure back on Guardiola’s side.