"64 Teams in 2030? DFB Slams "Preposterous" FIFA Plans
World Council strongly opposes the international football tournament (World Cup)
If you're a football fan, you might just drool at the thought of a World Cup with 64 teams. Uruguayan football association president Ignacio Alonso, however, ain't too thrilled about it. His proposal for the extravaganza was given a big, fat "no" by the German Football Association (DFB).
The DFB ain't mincing words here. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf didn't hold back when he stated, "This proposal ain't gonna fly with me. It's simply bloody ridiculous from both a sporting and administrative viewpoint."
The idea of an expanded World Cup due to the centennial was first circled in the FIFA Council in early March. A FIFA spokesperson later spilled the beans, saying, "The idea ain't on the Congress's agenda right now, but rest assured, FIFA will be examining every boneheaded proposal that comes outta one of its council members."
Neuendorf ain't playing games when it comes to the potential consequences. He warned that a larger tournament would stretch the tournament phase and put an enormous physical toll on the players. "It ain't responsible to treat athletes like workhorses because of some bloody celebration," he grumbled.
The South American football association CONMEBOL's backing Alonso's plan, but it's facing resistance from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the North, Central American, and Caribbean Football Association (CONCACAF). UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin ain't too keen on it either, dubbing it a "dumb idea." Even some council members were taken aback by the idea's seemingly spontaneous introduction.
Uruguay and Argentina are set to co-host the 2030 World Cup, with the tournament also taking place in Paraguay, Portugal, Spain, and Morocco. The number of teams for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico was already increased from 32 to 48 under FIFA president Gianni Infantino's leadership.
Sources: ntv.de, tno/sid
- DFB
- Fifa
- World Championships
Insights:
- Critics argue that expanding the tournament could lead to a dilution in the quality of play as weaker teams might be included, affecting the overall competitiveness and excitement of the tournament.
- Opponents suggest that increasing the number of participating teams could devalue the qualifying process, as teams might not have to work as hard to secure a place in the finals, potentially devaluing the qualifying process.
- Expanding the tournament would require more venues and resources, potentially leading to logistical challenges, especially given that the 2030 World Cup is already set to be hosted by six nations across three continents.
- Some leaders believe that expanding to 64 teams should not be considered before the 48-team format, which is set to debut in the 2026 World Cup, is evaluated.
- Expanding the tournament could have broader impacts on national teams, club competitions, leagues, and players, potentially leading to more matches and scheduling conflicts, potentially affecting the overall health of football globally.
- The DFB, or German Football Association, has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding the potential expansion of the World Championships to 64 teams, as they have expressed opposition to the idea.
- FIFA noted the centennial anniversary of the World Championships in their deliberations, yet decided not to place the proposal for an expanded tournament on the Congress's agenda at this time.
- The FIFA Council has been weighing the possibility of expanding the World Championships, but faces resistance from various associations, including the DFB, UEFA, and some council members, who argue that it is unfeasible and could dilute the quality of play.
- Since UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin opposes the expansion of the World Championships to 64 teams, FIFA may face opposition from other sports and football organizations, such as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the North, Central American, and Caribbean Football Association (CONCACAF).
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