FIFA Presidential candidate Luis Figo has set out his proposals, including a potential 48 nation World Cup.
The former Inter winger is challenging Sepp Blatter for the leadership of football’s governing body, alongside Dutch federation president Michael van Praag and Jordanian Prince Ali bin Al Hussein.
Figo said that the current tournament could be expanded to include 40, or even 48 teams, with one suggestion being to play two simultaneous tournaments on different continents followed by a knockout tournament in one nation.
FIFA Presidential candidate Luis Figo has set out his proposals, including a potential 48 nation World Cup.
The former Inter winger is challenging Sepp Blatter for the leadership of football’s governing body, alongside Dutch federation president Michael van Praag and Jordanian Prince Ali bin Al Hussein.
Figo said that the current tournament could be expanded to include 40, or even 48 teams, with one suggestion being to play two simultaneous tournaments on different continents followed by a knockout tournament in one nation.
“Both these options are feasible with an extra three to four days of tournament play,” the 2000 Ballon d’Or winner insisted in a Press conference to announce his manifesto.
“If this expansion were to take place I believe that additional teams should come from non-European nations.
“We not only make sure that we include more countries from across the world, but also enable Fifa to raise significant increased revenues that can be used to invest in the growth of the game globally."
The move is likely to be seen as an attempt to curry favour with federations in Africa and Asia which have previously backed Blatter overwhelmingly.
“Africa is solidly behind Blatter. You will find he is very popular on the continent.” Kwesi Nyantakyi, President of the Ghanaian FA said in January.
Africa represents 53 votes, over half of the total that incumbent Blatter needs to retain his position.
Figo’s other proposals include redistributing $1 billion of FIFA reserves to the 209 member nations, greater use of technology and the trial of sin bins.
The election will take place on May 29 in Zurich.