Qatar 2022: "More time was needed to expand the World Cup to 48 teams"
"Qatar remains as committed as ever to ensuring the 32-team FIFA World Cup in 2022 is one of the best tournaments ever and one that makes the entire Arab world proud."
The organising committee for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar have issued a press release discussing the official decision by FIFA to continue with plans for a 32-team tournament in 2022 and not expand the World Cup to 48 teams, as FIFA president Gianni Infantino had sought.
The press release reads as follows:
Following the conclusion of the joint feasibility study, Qatar and FIFA have reached the decision that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ will remain as a 32-team tournament.
Qatar had always been open to the idea of an expanded tournament in 2022 had a viable operating model been found and had all parties concluded that an expanded 48-team edition was in the best interest of football and Qatar as the host nation. 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 Qatar, 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.
With just three and a half years to go until kick off, Qatar remains as committed as ever to ensuring the 32-team FIFA World Cup in 2022 is one of the best tournaments ever and one that makes the entire Arab world proud.