By Daily Sports on January 3, 2019

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has revealed football's global governing body is exploring the possibility of some of Qatar’s Gulf neighbours hosting matches at the 2022 World Cup.

Speaking at a sports conference in Dubai, Infantino also confirmed FIFA was looking into a possible expansion of the tournament to 48 teams, but said diplomatic tension in the area could be a problem countries would have to overcome.

“If we can accommodate some of the neighbouring countries in the Gulf region which are very close by to host a few games in the World Cup this could be very beneficial for the region and the entire world,” Infantino added.

“There are tensions in this particular region and it’s up to their respective leaders to deal with that but maybe it’s easier to talk about a joint football project than more complicated things.

“If it can help all the people in the Gulf and all the countries in the world develop football and bring a positive message to the world about football, then you should give it a try.”

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt launched a diplomatic and trade boycott of Qatar in June 2017 that has complicated the prospect of sharing the tournament. The countries accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism, which it denies. (ESPN)

•Photo shows FIFA President, Gianni Infantino 

Source Daily Sports

Posted January 3, 2019

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