{"id":234290,"date":"2016-07-26T12:16:09","date_gmt":"2016-07-26T12:16:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/citifmonline.com\/?p=234290"},"modified":"2016-07-26T12:16:09","modified_gmt":"2016-07-26T12:16:09","slug":"africa-will-get-2-extra-places-if-world-cup-expands-infantino","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citifmonline.com\/2016\/07\/africa-will-get-2-extra-places-if-world-cup-expands-infantino\/","title":{"rendered":"Africa will get 2 extra places if World Cup expands – Infantino"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Africa will get an additional two World Cup finals places should the tournament be expanded to 40 teams from 2026, says Fifa president Gianni Infantino.<\/p>\n

Infantino proposed the expansion from 32 teams before he was elected by world football’s governing body in February.<\/p>\n

Africa is currently allocated five places at World Cups.<\/p>\n

“My proposal has been 40 teams and if that happens then my proposal has been to have at least two extra places for African teams,” said Infantino.<\/p>\n

The move would not come into effect until 2026 with the format of 32 teams already confirmed for Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.<\/p>\n

The Fifa boss is still set to be interviewed by ethics investigators after allegedly breaching its code of ethics.<\/p>\n

The allegations relate to a possible conflict of interest when using private jets laid on by a World Cup-bidding country; that he filled senior posts without checking people’s eligibility for the role; and billing Fifa for mattresses, flowers, an exercise machine and personal laundry.<\/p>\n

If there is sufficient evidence then a full investigation could be opened and he could be suspended from his role for up to 90 days.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n