By Daily Sports on February 1, 2017

European Club Association (ECA) chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has again hit out at FIFA’s plans for a 48-team World Cup and criticised the Asian and African associations for clamouring for extra places.

Bayern Munich CEO Rummenigge has repeatedly questioned the future role of international football and recently warned that FIFA could face a “revolution” following the expansion plan, suggesting clubs could withhold players for the 2026 tournament.

“The expansion from 32 to 48 teams is proper nonsense,” Rummenigge told reporters in Dusseldorf. “At the moment we have a format everybody is happy with — not only us in Germany.

“The only ones who weren’t happy were the Asians, and especially the Africans, who believed, and still believe, they should be entitled to more participants.

“Where they get this belief from I do not know – everyone should earn their right to play.

“What’s happening behind the scenes — specifically the haggling and squabbling for extra places in Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and South America — is unworthy of football.”

He added: “FIFA has to focus on football rather than politics and finances,” he said.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin this week demanded that Europe be given at least 16 of the 48 places at the 2026 World Cup. (NAN)

•Photo shows Karl Henz Rummenigge

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 1, 2017

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