Fifa to review how world rankings are calculated

Fifa has admitted it will review its ranking system after the qualifying tournaments for the 2018 World Cup are finished.

The system, which is based on each nation’s results over a four-year rolling period, is used by world football’s governing body to decide the seedings at World Cups.

Brazil currently top the rankings, with defending champions Germany second and Argentina third, but Switzerland and Poland occupy the next two slots.

The top seven qualifying nations, plus hosts Russia, will be seeded in December’s draw for the 2018 tournament.

While both Switzerland and Poland have enjoyed successful qualifying campaigns, they have also played relatively few friendlies in recent seasons, particularly Switzerland.

A newspaper report this week outlined how the rankings work against teams who play lots of friendlies, particularly if they lose them, as is always a risk if you play games against tough opponents.

In a short statement, a Fifa spokesperson said: “Fifa is reviewing the Fifa Coca-cola World Ranking system and will take a decision after the completion of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup if any changes are be made to improve the ranking.”

Scotland are currently ranked 58th, with England 13th, Wales 18th and Northern Ireland 23rd.