FIFA has proven “full disregard” for the significance of nationwide competitions, says Spain’s LaLiga, after the world soccer governing physique accredited a 32-team Membership World Cup and an expanded World Cup with 104 matches.
Forward of its Congress in Kigali, Rwanda, FIFA on Tuesday introduced the 2026 World Cup could have 104 matches as an alternative of the normal 64 video games as a result of expanded format with 48 groups collaborating.
The governing physique additionally accredited a 32-team Membership World Cup, which shall be performed each 4 years from June 2025.
“FIFA continues its malpractice of creating unilateral selections on the world soccer calendar, exhibiting full disregard for the significance of nationwide championships, and the soccer neighborhood usually,” LaLiga stated in a press release on Tuesday.
“FIFA fully neglects the financial harm these selections inflict on leagues all over the world. Leagues weren’t consulted about any of the adjustments introduced right this moment, particularly concerning the new annual membership competitors.
“These selections don’t bear in mind the aggressive, sporting and financial impression on nationwide leagues, golf equipment and gamers, by additional cramming an already overloaded schedule. FIFA solely takes under consideration a small group of golf equipment and gamers.”
LaLiga added it and different leagues within the World Leagues Discussion board (WLF), a corporation representing skilled affiliation soccer leagues, would “analyze FIFA’s selections and resolve on probably the most acceptable subsequent steps”.
In December, the WLF criticized the announcement of a 32-team Membership World Cup, saying it might have damaging penalties for the soccer financial system and participant welfare.
The revamped match calendars have been accredited by the FIFA Council, the primary decision-making physique of the world soccer group.
The FIFA Council has 37 members together with president Gianni Infantino, 28 of whom are elected by member associations. UEFA, which is Europe’s governing physique, can also be represented on the Council.
Reuters has approached FIFA for remark.
