FIFA scrap controversial plan to expand 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 teams
- FIFA have scrapped a proposal to expand the 2022 World Cup to 48 teams
- They have been exploring the possibility of using one more host nation
- But logistical and political complexities proved too much to overcome
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be a 32-team tournament as originally planned, FIFA has announced.
The world governing body had considered expanding the event to 48 teams - as is planned for the tournament from 2026 - but this has proved impractical.
With the event just three years away, Qatari organisers did not feel there was enough time to carry out studies on the logistical impact of an expanded competition.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will have 32 teams, with FIFA scrapping a proposal to expand it
The desert state has been preparing for a 32-team tournament, with eight stadia, since 2010.
Feasibility studies involving neighbouring countries were also carried out but no solutions were found.
'The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will therefore remain as originally planned with 32 teams,' a statement read.
The 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the first World Cup for 48 finalists.
The world governing body considered expanding the event in three years' time to 48 teams
The statement added: 'FIFA and Qatar have jointly explored all possibilities to increase the number of participant teams from 32 to 48 teams by involving neighbouring countries.
'Following a thorough and comprehensive consultation process... it was concluded that under the current circumstances such a proposal could not be made now.
'Additionally, FIFA and Qatar have once again explored the feasibility of Qatar hosting a 48-team tournament by in particular lowering certain key FIFA requirements.
'A joint analysis, in this respect, concluded that due to the advanced stage of preparations and the need for a detailed assessment of the potential logistical impact on the host country, more time would be required and a decision could not be taken before the deadline of June.
'It was therefore decided not to further pursue this option.'
Most watched Sport videos
- Heartwarming moment NY Red Bulls players give their coats to mascots
- YouTuber buys Marcus Rashford's wrecked £700k Rolls-Royce
- Travis and Jason Kelce CLASH over who would win a drinking contest
- England manager Sarina Wiegman slams coach-player relationships
- Gareth Southgate comments on design change of new England shirt
- Fake clip claiming to show Swift and Kelce falling off a swing
- New York Jets star Sauce Gardner claims Jewish people 'run the world'
- Kate Abdo's partner broken speaks on Carragher's 'loyalty' joke
- A brawl erupts between Sydney Roosters and Rabbitohs fans
- NRL star Liam Knight dying his hair a very white blonde
- David Seaman on Southgate, England & EURO 2024
- Kelce dances to Taylor Swift's 'Bad Blood' on the golf course