Uefa President Slams 64-Team World Cup Proposal as “Disastrous”
The Uefa president, Aleksander Ceferin, did not hold back in his criticism of the proposed expansion of the 2030 men’s World Cup to 64 teams, labeling the idea as a “disastrous concept” and expressing his disappointment in Fifa for not consulting with Uefa beforehand. The suggestion to increase the number of teams in the World Cup was put forward during a Fifa council meeting by the Uruguayan football association president, Ignacio Alonso, with the aim of celebrating the tournament’s centenary.
Ceferin’s strong stance against the 64-team World Cup was evident when he stated, “I think it’s not a good idea for the World Cup itself, and it’s not a good idea for our qualifiers as well. So I’m not supporting that idea.” The Uefa president expressed surprise at the proposal, emphasizing that Uefa had not been informed about it prior to the Fifa council meeting.
While Uefa will send 16 teams to the 2026 World Cup under the new 48-team format, Ceferin highlighted the lack of enthusiasm within the organization for a significantly expanded qualifying tournament. The 2030 World Cup is set to be hosted across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with additional matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. Ceferin also addressed the possibility of Russia’s participation in future tournaments, contingent upon a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
In response to Fifa President Gianni Infantino’s desire to see Russia return to international competition, Ceferin maintained a firm stance, stating, “When the war stops, they will be readmitted.” The ban on Russia from Fifa and Uefa events following the invasion of Ukraine remains in place, with Ceferin emphasizing the need for a joint decision between Uefa and Fifa regarding Russia’s reintegration.
Additionally, Ceferin touched on the ongoing controversy surrounding the participation of Israeli teams in international competitions amidst conflict in Gaza, choosing to focus on the football aspect rather than politics. He also made a subtle reference to the increased workload for players due to the upcoming Club World Cup, hinting at concerns over player fatigue.
As discussions surrounding the future of international football continue to unfold, Ceferin’s vocal opposition to the 64-team World Cup proposal underscores the complexities and challenges facing the sport’s governing bodies. The push and pull between tradition and innovation, alongside geopolitical considerations, will undoubtedly shape the landscape of football in the years to come.
