Football: FIFA Women’s World Cup Expansion
By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The FIFA Council has voted unanimously for the Women's World Cup to be expanded from 32 to 48 teams from the 2035 tournament, which is due to be hosted in the United Kingdom.
As a result, the tournament will adopt a 12-group format with an additional 40 matches, up from 64 to 104, and the tournament will be expanded by a week.
Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President, stated that these changes will give more countries "the chance to benefit from the tournament to develop their women's football structures".
And added:
"This decision ensures we are maintaining the momentum in terms of growing women's football globally."
However, FIFPRO, the world-wide players' union, whilst welcoming the expansion "in principle", has called for a number of issues in the women's game to be addressed:
"…. the support of players depends on inclusive decision-making and cooperative planning that respects all stakeholders.”
And added:
"It is critical that the global development of women's competitions goes hand in hand with improved labour conditions and the advancement of players, as well as development further down the pyramid.
This is the only path to true sustainability, expansion, and progress."
Also, what about the effect of the expansion of the Women's World Cup on the already crowded football calendar?
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘
