Sport
FIFA Considers Expanding 2030 World Cup to 64 Teams to Mark Its 100th Anniversary
FIFA is considering expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams to commemorate the tournament’s 100th anniversary. This proposal was introduced by Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association and a FIFA Council member, during a recent meeting.
The 2030 World Cup is already set to be unique, with Spain, Portugal, and Morocco as the main hosts, and additional matches in Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay to honor the inaugural 1930 tournament held in Uruguay.
The idea to further expand the tournament has caused different reactions. Some football figures have shown concerns, labeling the proposal as “madness,” while FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged it as an interesting idea worth further analysis.
Expanding to 64 teams would present significant logistical challenges, including extending the tournament duration to at least six weeks and increasing the number of matches to 128.
This expansion could also impact qualification tournaments, potentially reducing their appeal to broadcasters and fans. Additionally, environmental concerns have been raised due to the increased travel and resources required for a larger tournament.
Sport
Super Eagles Star Calvin Bassey Opens Up on Nearly Walking Away from Football
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has opened up about a difficult period in his career, revealing that he almost stepped away from football.
Speaking during a recent interview, Bassey shared that he once made a personal promise to himself to quit pursuing football professionally if he failed to secure a spot at a professional club.
“I remember being 15 and going into my final year, and I told myself that if I didn’t get into a professional club, I would quit football. It was that simple,” he said.
“I would just stop pursuing it seriously and only play for fun. Thank God I eventually got a club, because I honestly don’t know where I would be otherwise.”
Sport
CAF Fines Egypt $5,000 Over Post-Match Media Violation After Zimbabwe Clash
It has been reported that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) fined Egypt $5,000 following their clash with Zimbabwe for failing to manage post-match media obligations.
It was noted that after the match, the Egyptian players ignored the media. This action was said to be a violation of CAF’s media regulations, which led to the fine being imposed.
Sport
Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Opens Up on Benching Big Names
Head of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, shared that the big-name players on the team are not happy about being benched.
He recalled when he took out Samuel Chukwueze during the match against Tanzania.
“Yes, of course, we’ve in this team a lot of big names. They are competitors; they aren’t happy when they go to the bench,” Chelle said at his post-match interview.”
“My job is to make choices, and we’re playing a 4-4-2 diamond, and at this moment I feel we have to protect the wing.”
