Source:REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
[Saba Sports News] According to UK media reports, three English clubs are expected to participate in the next FIFA Club World Cup, instead of two, as the limit on the number of clubs per country is likely to be relaxed. It is understood that UEFA does not object to FIFA raising the cap per country from two to three clubs but would oppose any attempts to change the tournament to a biennial format or expand it beyond 32 teams. Some senior FIFA officials were disappointed that the inaugural 32-team tournament this summer in the USA did not feature champions from England, Spain, and Italy, leading some critics to question whether it can be called a competition among the world’s best clubs. Allowing up to three clubs per country would reduce the likelihood of a similar situation occurring in the 2029 edition. FIFA might push to expand the Club World Cup to 48 teams, but this could face opposition from UEFA. Even if the European Club Association expresses support, UEFA remains firmly against any attempts to increase the tournament’s frequency beyond its four-year cycle. The future of the tournament is expected to be discussed at a FIFA Council meeting, although no decision is likely to be made on this matter for now.