World Cup under new format :
The football federations of the all six continents endorsed the FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal for 48 teams in the World Cup Football from 2026. Critics say that the FIFA president drafted the proposal driven by profit, while the Europa Football League Association expressed its unhappiness arguing that the expansion will destroy football, World Cup image as the greatest show on earth.
The FIFA President said at a news conference after the announcement, “The World Cup has to be ‘more inclusive’. We are in the 21st century and we have to shape the World Cup of the 21st century. It is the future. Football is more than just Europe and South America, for football is global. The football fever you have in a country that qualifies for the World Cup is the biggest promotional tool for football you can have.”
“This football promotion, in many parts of the world where today they have no chance to play [in the World Cup], was at the top of our thoughts.”
According to FIFA research, revenue will probably increase to £5.29 billion for a 48-team tournament, giving a potential profit rise of £521million.
Now the question is what will be the ratio of each continent in the increased 48 teams? Though the football’s world governing body has not hinted anything about it, we have our suggestion for consideration by the AFC and the FIFA.
First of all, Australia should return to Oceania, their own continent, which should have at least one spot. The 48 spots may be divided among the continents considering their past records and population: Europe 18 spots, South America, Asia and Africa eight each, North America four and Oceania one plus the defending champions.
Till date, Brazil won highest five times, Germany and Italy four each, Argentina and Uruguay two each, while England, France and Spain one each.
Howbeit, thousands of us will not be able to watch the World Cup under new format because we may not survive till that period.
Abdullah Rahi
Dhaka
The football federations of the all six continents endorsed the FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal for 48 teams in the World Cup Football from 2026. Critics say that the FIFA president drafted the proposal driven by profit, while the Europa Football League Association expressed its unhappiness arguing that the expansion will destroy football, World Cup image as the greatest show on earth.
The FIFA President said at a news conference after the announcement, “The World Cup has to be ‘more inclusive’. We are in the 21st century and we have to shape the World Cup of the 21st century. It is the future. Football is more than just Europe and South America, for football is global. The football fever you have in a country that qualifies for the World Cup is the biggest promotional tool for football you can have.”
“This football promotion, in many parts of the world where today they have no chance to play [in the World Cup], was at the top of our thoughts.”
According to FIFA research, revenue will probably increase to £5.29 billion for a 48-team tournament, giving a potential profit rise of £521million.
Now the question is what will be the ratio of each continent in the increased 48 teams? Though the football’s world governing body has not hinted anything about it, we have our suggestion for consideration by the AFC and the FIFA.
First of all, Australia should return to Oceania, their own continent, which should have at least one spot. The 48 spots may be divided among the continents considering their past records and population: Europe 18 spots, South America, Asia and Africa eight each, North America four and Oceania one plus the defending champions.
Till date, Brazil won highest five times, Germany and Italy four each, Argentina and Uruguay two each, while England, France and Spain one each.
Howbeit, thousands of us will not be able to watch the World Cup under new format because we may not survive till that period.
Abdullah Rahi
Dhaka
