FIFA president Gianni Infantino assures Africa of more than 7 slots

pulse-ghana admin 15:59 - 28 February 2017

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The president of the world’s football governing body says Africa will have more than seven slots at the World Cup starting from 2026.

Speaking to journalists in Accra as part of a one-day working visit to Ghana president Akufo-Addo and the Ghana Football Association, the FIFA boss outlined plans that the body has for Africa, revealing that giving the continent more than seven slots was an issue under consideration.

The number of teams to participate in the World Cup was increased from 32 to 48 earlier this year, with reports suggesting that Africa’s slots will be increased to nine.

Although the change will take effect from 2026, the FIFA president has now confirmed that the continent will have more than seven slots at the global showpiece.

“African representation at the World Cup will definitely be more than seven in the future. Now on the precise number, we are still working it out,”Infantino said, adding that FIFA is committed to making sure African football improves for the better.

Africa has had five slots at the World Cup since 1998, and the FIFA president’s pledge will come as welcoming news to FA heads on the continent who have in the past complained about a disparity in allocation, looking at the slots available to Europe and South America.