FIFA SLAMMED

FIFA SLAMMED

The umbrella body representing all of Europe’s major leagues has slammed FIFA for acting “unilaterally” in introducing a new 32-team Club World Cup and playing 104 matches – 40 more than in the past and including a new round-of-32 stage – when the World Cup is expanded to 48 nations in 2026. The European Leagues body, which represents more than 1,000 clubs in 37 professional leagues, said it was “concerned” about the announcements. “All these decisions were taken by FIFA in a unilateral way and without any consultation process with many of the football stakeholders and leagues,” said a statement, adding: “Unfortunately, this became a habit in recent years.” The body added that they are cooperating with the World Leagues Forum to decide on any further steps that might be taken.