The European Club Association (ECA) opposes World Cup expansion
Press Release
15 December 2016
The European Club Association (ECA) speaks out against the proposed enlargement of the FIFA World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has recently made several proposals aimed at further expanding the number of participating nations at the World Cup. According to Gianni Infantino's proposals, the expansion is expected to take effect at the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
The number of games being played throughout the year has already reached an unacceptable level, in particular for national team players. The ECA Executive Board therefore rejects such initiative and has today sent a letter to Gianni Infantino calling on FIFA not to increase the number of participants at future World Cups.
ECA Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: "We have to focus on the sport again. Politics and commerce should not be the exclusive priority in football. In the interest of the fans and the players, we urge FIFA not to increase the number of world cup participants."
