[0762]

http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38577001
So an expansion to a concluding 48 world cup participating nations for the 2020 final tourney is being touted as 'good for football' by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino! He seems to be genuine enough in his presentation that it would provide more opps for lesser countries to take part in such a global sporting event and it may provide the likes of Scotland with a decent chance to qualify again. However, the practicalities of allowing more players to play beyond their own demanding footie seasons will not go down well with many footie associations and football clubs that will have to deal with recovering or injured top players. Is it actually a 'money grab' by FIFA anyway as there's no doubt the association will draw in more 'geld' than in previous WC final tourneys?

[ritchiebaby]

In my opinion, it's purely for FIFA's financial gain, 0762, and stuff the fans. There are only 3 extra European places, so Scotland will still find it difficult to qualify. Money abounds and major expansion looms in China and FIFA want their whack.

[St Charles Owl]

I am not so worried about this. This is the World Cup but we do tend to act as though its the European/S American cup with a few others thrown in to make it fair. Africa and Asia are seriously under represented at the WC, this attempts to correct that somewhat. As for the money, isn't it all about money now??

[Lord Snooty]

In my opinion, the World Cup is already too big. It should be no more than 16 teams. What we now have is quantity over quality.
Quite frankly, the World Cup now is the most boring load of crap. When was the last time you saw a memorable game at the World Cup?
Boring!

[St Charles Owl]

In my opinion, the World Cup is already too big. It should be no more than 16 teams. What we now have is quantity over quality.
Quite frankly, the World Cup now is the most boring load of crap. When was the last time you saw a memorable game at the World Cup?
Boring!

You could say the same for the Olympics in terms of size as well. For me the problem is not the WC itself or the format, its the fact that international football is slow and cagey most of the time, teams just don't go for it often enough anymore. But this format might help this, get the Group round over a game earlier and take 32 teams straight into a knockout phase as that is where games usually get better.

[0762]

We've got to the stage where, even in KO games, a lotta participating international sides play out matches through to pk deciders - just adds to the boredom TBF! Teams must somehow be forced to go out and win matches but that's 'easier said than done'.

[St Charles Owl]

We've got to the stage where, even in KO games, a lotta participating international sides play out matches through to pk deciders - just adds to the boredom TBF!

Yes, the Euros showed us that with Portugal winning it the way they did. Not sure what the answer to that is but this 48 team tournament probably won't effect that either way.

[Lord Snooty]

Scrapping extra time would be a start.

[St Charles Owl]

I think they should hold the penalty shootout before extra time, then that guarantees at least one team has to go for it in ET if they lose the penalty kicks!!! Not sure what else you could do.

[Lord Snooty]

Personally, I don't think there's anything they could do to get me interested iin watching the World Cup again.