FIFA, on Wednesday, confirmed that they will be sticking to a 32-team World Cup 2022 in Qatar. They were earlier planning to have a 48-team World Cup.
“In line with the conclusions of the feasibility study approved by the FIFA Council at its last meeting, FIFA and Qatar have jointly explored all possibilities to increase the number of participant teams from 32 to 48 teams by involving neighbouring countries at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” FIFA said in a statement.
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FIFA analysed their decision of a 48 member team for the World Cup but they figured that they couldn’t manage everything and logistics within the June deadline, so they dropped the idea.
“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,” FIFA said.