The Power Struggle: Infantino Hears 64-Team Pitch Council Wants to Kill

A power struggle is subtly playing out at the heart of FIFA, as President Gianni Infantino entertains a 64-team World Cup proposal that his own council reportedly wants to kill. The recent meeting in New York with South American leaders has underscored the tension between presidential diplomacy and the council’s role as guardian of the tournament’s integrity.
Infantino provided an audience for the Conmebol delegation, which pitched its vision for an expanded 2030 centenary World Cup. This move aligns with the president’s inclusive style of leadership. The proposal itself is a game-changer for South America, offering the tantalizing prospect of universal qualification for its 10 members.
However, the FIFA Council, the ultimate decision-making body, holds a vastly different view. An insider was unequivocal, stating that the proposal would be soundly defeated in a vote. The council’s members are said to be united in their belief that a 64-team format would be a grave mistake, diluting the competition and harming its commercial appeal.
This internal resistance is not happening in the shadows. The public denouncements from influential vice-presidents like Aleksander Ceferin (UEFA) and Victor Montagliani (Concacaf) serve as a clear warning shot. They are signaling that any attempt to advance the proposal will be met with a powerful and organized opposition.
This dynamic places Infantino in a delicate position. He must maintain good relations with all confederations, but he cannot override the will of his council. In this instance, the council’s protective stance on the World Cup’s format is winning out, effectively vetoing the 64-team idea before it can gain any serious momentum.