"Football Association Backs Away from 64-Team World Cup Plan"
globe's football governing body, DFB, fiercely opposes the outlandish World Cup proposals
The German Football Association (DFB) has voiced its disapproval of a proposal to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to include 64 teams. In an anticipated FIFA Congress, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf has expressed his reluctance to support the idea, calling it unfeasible and a potential detriment to the tournament.
Troubled Waters at FIFA Council
The suggestion for a 64-team World Cup tournament was initially floated by the Uruguayan Football Association President, Ignacio Alonso, in the FIFA Council earlier in March. While the idea was noted and deemed worthy of consideration, it's currently absent from the official Congress agenda, scheduled to take place in Asunción. However, the Council, including Neuendorf, is set to meet before the assembly of FIFA member associations.
European Concerns
Neuendorf emphasized potential "serious consequences for national leagues" if the tournament's duration is extended. He pointed out that the players would face an enormous physical toll and cherished off-seasons might be jeopardized. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has also criticized the plans, citing potential repercussions for European club competitions.
Global Resistance
While the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) supports the Uruguayan proposal, other confederations like the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the North, Central American and Caribbean Football Confederation (CONCACAF) have shown resistance. Some council members have expressed surprise at the spontaneous intervention under the "Miscellaneous" point, as FIFA had allegedly not informed them beforehand.
Controversial Expansion Plans
Critics argue that increasing the number of teams could dilute the tournament's competitive edge, risking a drop in quality and prestige. Other concerns include logistical challenges, with a 64-team tournament requiring as many as 128 games, potentially straining resources and overloading capabilities. The value of qualification could also become diminished, undermining the sense of accomplishment for teams that have managed to secure a spot.
Despite these concerns, CONMEBOL remains enthusiastic about the prospect of expanding the World Cup for the centennial celebration, viewing it as an opportunity to unite more countries in the tournament. With the 2030 World Cup slated for co-hosts Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, the outcome of this contentious debate remains to be seen.
Source: ntv.de, tno/sid
- DFB
- Fifa
- World Championships
The European Parliament and the Council, opposed to the proposal, have raised concerns about the potential effects of FIFA's plan to expand the World Cup to include 64 teams for its anniversary. This unexpected move was noted during the FIFA Congress, where the German Football Association (DFB), especially DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, expressed reservations. Neuendorf warned about the potential negative impact on national leagues and sports like football in Europe.
