FIFA looks to expand tournament from 24 to 32 teams
LYON, FRANCE >> FIFA will seek to expand the Women’s World Cup from 24 to 32 teams and double the prize money while maintaining a significant financial gulf with funding for the men’s tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino will need quick approval from ruling bodies to enlarge the Women’s World Cup, with bidding already underway for the 2023 edition. The process would have to be reopened if countries will have to find the stadiums to accommodate more teams and additional games.
“We will need to act more quickly if we want to have 32 teams already in 2023,” Infantino said Friday. “We will discuss it as a matter of urgency and see if we can already decide to increase for 2023 in which case we should re-open the bidding process and allow everyone to have a chance to organize or maybe co-host for some of those who have been bidding already for a 24-team World Cup.”
The 37-member FIFA Council had been due to vote on the 2023 Women’s World Cup host in March 2020, with nine countries expressing interesting in bidding.
The nine, including recent men’s World Cup hosts Brazil and South Africa, must submit formal bid plans by Oct. 4. The other contenders are Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Colombia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea, which could bid with North Korea.
England’s Carney to retire after third-place game
One of England’s longest-serving players will make her last appearance Saturday.
Karen Carney announced her retirement Friday, on the eve of England’s third-place playoff against Sweden at the Women’s World Cup.
“My mind still wants to do everything and it still can but I don’t think my body can anymore,” said the 31-year-old Carney, who at times had tears in her eyes. “I think you’ve seen the level and the growth of the game, how fantastic it’s become and that’s a credit to everyone.
“My mind would want to continue ‘til I was 100 but at some point your body tells you enough is enough and I think I’ve got to that point.”
Carney has three substitute appearances at her fourth World Cup and the Chelsea midfielder could win her 144th cap for England against Sweden in Nice.