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About the UEFA President’s opinion
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has voiced sharp criticism against the proposed expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, labeling it as “a bad idea” that could jeopardize the integrity and quality of the world’s most prestigious football tournament.
Speaking during a recent football governance conference in Brussels, Čeferin expressed deep concern over the growing trend of expanding major international competitions for commercial gains, warning that such decisions risk diluting the competitive edge that has long defined elite football.
“We are not in favor of a 64-team World Cup,” Čeferin stated bluntly. “It’s a bad idea. More teams do not necessarily mean a better tournament. It stretches the calendar, puts strain on players, and risks turning a unique sporting spectacle into something bloated and unsustainable.”
Concerns Over Player Welfare and Competition Quality
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The current format of the FIFA World Cup is already set to expand from 32 to 48 teams starting in 2026, when the tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While that decision was met with mixed reactions, it was ultimately accepted as a step toward inclusivity, offering more nations the opportunity to compete on the world stage.
However, the fresh proposal circulating in some footballing circles to push the number further to 64 teams has sparked backlash from various stakeholders—including top European clubs, players’ associations, and now UEFA itself.
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Čeferin stressed that player welfare must remain a top priority. “We’re reaching a breaking point. Players are being asked to perform year-round, with barely any rest. Expanding the World Cup even further would overload the calendar and push players beyond safe physical and mental limits,” he said.
A Commercial vs. Sporting Balance
Critics argue that the push for a 64-team World Cup is motivated more by financial and commercial interests than by sporting logic. More teams mean more matches, which in turn means greater broadcasting rights, sponsorship revenue, and ticket sales. But Čeferin warns that such short-term gains could come at the cost of long-term credibility.
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“There is a balance between growing the game and over-commercializing it,” he said. “Football is not just a business. It’s a sport that thrives on excellence, tradition, and the stories of the best going head-to-head. We cannot lose sight of that.”
UEFA’s Call for Strategic Reform
UEFA has consistently advocated for more sustainable reforms in global football. Under Čeferin’s leadership, the organization has emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration among global stakeholders to ensure football’s future remains vibrant and inclusive—without compromising on quality or fairness.
As the debate around the future of the World Cup intensifies, FIFA has yet to formally propose a 64-team format. But UEFA’s outspoken opposition could significantly influence the direction the governing body takes.
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With mounting concerns over fixture congestion, player burnout, and the dilution of football’s most iconic tournament, Čeferin’s comments may serve as a pivotal warning to the global football community: bigger is not always better.
Catch more details on Čeferin’s views on the possible 48 team World Cup format here:
Written by: Elroy Rodrigues
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