Argentine football legend Diego Maradona yesterday backed controversial plans to expand the World Cup to 48 teams, a day before world football's powerful governing council faces a key decision on the issue
Gianni Infantino, Diego Maradona
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino (left) with former Argentina footballer Diego Maradona during the FIFA Football Legends match in Zurich, Switzerland yesterday. Pic/AFP
Zurich: Argentine football legend Diego Maradona yesterday backed controversial plans to expand the World Cup to 48 teams, a day before world football's powerful governing council faces a key decision on the issue.
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"It sounds a fantastic idea," the 56-year-old told reporters at FIFA's Zurich headquarters. "This will give more possibilities to countries that have never reached that level of competition," he added.
The hobbled Maradona spoke dripping with sweat after rumbling his way through a mini-tournament involving former football greats and current executives. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has organised a series of so-called "Legends Tournaments" since taking charge of the body last year, playing alongside former footballers in front of assembled media.
"The quality will not fall," Maradona said when asked about those concerns.
Infantino has been courting support from the game's most powerful figures ahead of the FIFA council meet.
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