FIFA President Gianni Infantino makes a witty remark to Italy
Translated from Turkish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino discussed the future format of the World Cup, suggesting a potential expansion to 64 teams.
- He made a humorous remark about Italy possibly qualifying for a 64-team tournament.
- Infantino's comments, made in an interview, sparked discussion on social media.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has once again captured attention with his remarks on the World Cup's format, this time hinting at a possible expansion to 64 teams. Speaking in an interview with Brazilian channel CazeTV, Infantino emphasized the desire to increase the tournament's global reach.
"We need to see the 48-team format first. But we are also discussing the possibility of expanding to 64 teams in the future," Infantino stated. He indicated that the idea of a 64-team World Cup is currently on the table for discussion.
We need to see the 48-team format first. But we are also discussing the possibility of expanding to 64 teams in the future.
Infantino then delivered a witty jab directed at Italy, referencing their recent struggles to qualify for major tournaments. "Perhaps with a 64-team World Cup, Italy will manage to qualify, or we could even expand to 208," he quipped, making a subtle reference to the Italian team's recent tournament misses. This lighthearted comment quickly resonated within the football community and ignited widespread debate on social media.
Perhaps with a 64-team World Cup, Italy will manage to qualify, or we could even expand to 208.
Originally published by Cumhuriyet in Turkish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.