FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, said on Monday that Africa would get additional two slots from the 2026 edition of the World Cup.
Infantino said this in Abuja during his interaction with the newsmen.
He noted that the idea was part of his vision to transform football in Africa.
He said: “I promised few things during my campaign.
“The first one was reforms and the second one was that we should invest more in football development and this has already happened.
“We have increased the development fund by four for each member association, which is a significant increase.
“I also promised that the Secretary-General shouldn’t be European as it was the case in the history of FIFA.
“And as you can see, Fatma Samoura, the Secretary-General is not European.
“She is African and this is long overdue for Africa.
“It’s about time facts follow words.
“As regards the expansion of the World Cup with the number of slots for African countries as well as other countries in the world, I believe that there should be 40 teams for 2026 World Cup.
“Out of the eight more slots that will be added, two should go to Africa.
“I will defend this because we are discussing this and as you know I am a democratically elected president, so I have to speak and listen to everyone, but I hope to convince everyone as well.”
Trending
- OSUN: NANS seeks intervention from Governor Adeleke, threatens protest over fee hike, palliative
- Easter Celebration: IGP orders round-the-clock water-tight security at all public spaces
- Kogi poll: SDP witness contradicts self on alleged ‘affidavit forgery’ against Governor Ododo
- No BoT in Labour Party, spokesman dismisses takeover claims
- Nigerian writer urges preservation of literary heritage amid writer shortage
- Health professionals brainstorm in Abuja, seek drug free society
- CAF announce dates for Champions League, Confederation Cup Finals
- Tayo Ayinde withdraws suit against Gani Adams, restates commitment to peace