New FIFA president Gianni Infantino has not been shy when it comes to talking about the future of the World Cup. The Swiss-born FIFA boss has said that he wants to expand the tournament from 32 teams to 40 teams. Well, how does 48 sound?
Per Reuters, Infantino on Monday proposed expanding the competition to 48 teams, adding that 16 of the teams would go home after just one knockout match, and then it would continue on in the current format of 32 teams and eight groups.
Infantino announced it while in Colombia, and a final decision would be taken by the FIFA Council in January.
"These are ideas to find the best solution, we will debate them this month and we will decide everything by 2017," Infantino said.
So basically it would be 16 teams already in the group stage, and then the other 32 battling in a one-game playoff essentially to make that group stage. The FIFA top dog did not specifically outline where these extra World Cup berths would come from. Most have been opposed to the idea, feeling that the 32-team tournament now is the perfect amount. But, Infantino looks determined to change that.
Gianni, please don't do it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. What's next, playing quarters instead of halves? Expanding just waters down the competition and takes some of the importance out of some qualifying games. It's the beautiful game for a reason, and nothing in the sport is more beautiful than the World Cup. So don't give her a makeover. She is perfect as is.
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