Fifa is expanding the World Cup to 48 teams in a move it believes could secure $1bn more in revenues, as Gianni Infantino, the new president of world football’s governing body, stamps his mark on the scandal-hit organisation.
At a meeting at its headquarters in Zurich yesterday, Fifa’s ruling council unanimously voted for an expansion of the quadrennial tournament from 2026. The move will lead to about a quarter of all nations in the organisation gaining entry to football’s most prestigious event.
When Mr Infantino floated the expansion plan in October, he was building on a campaign pledge he made to secure the Fifa presidency last year when he was elected to replace his disgraced predecessor, Sepp Blatter.