World Football's Governing Body Official States Game Location Choices Solely Rest With FIFA
A senior world football official has stated that any possible moving of World Cup matches must be determined by the governing body, and not by any world leader.
The FIFA vice-president, additionally leads the Concacaf, delivered these remarks after this week's assertions from the US president regarding potentially moving games from certain cities considered unsafe.
"It's FIFA's competition, under FIFA's authority, the organization makes those choices," Montagliani informed the audience at a Leaders Week London event. "Respectfully to present global figures, football is above individuals and the sport will survive their regime and their government."
International Responsibilities and Confederation Issues
Montagliani, from a nation is co-hosting the forthcoming World Cup with the United States and Mexico, has frequently engaged in diplomatic discussions following the start of the current American government.
Regarding the subject of Israel's ongoing participation in global soccer, which has sparked significant discussion recently, he stated that the matter is the responsibility of European football's governing body.
"I acknowledge that it's a determination by the European body. It's their member, Uefa have to address it and I support not only the proper process, but whatever outcome they make," he commented. "The global body get asked to deal with a many of matters by a lot of organizations, but primarily it's a affiliate of the European confederation."
Competition Expansion and Upcoming Formats
Regarding the contentious topic of Fifa competitions and their expanding reach, the vice-president voiced approval for a bigger Club World Cup but reservations toward a 64-team finals for the centennial edition in 2030.
"There isn't the rationale for such an expansion," Montagliani remarked. "We are not alone but European football and Asia that are opposed that. However, the Club World Cup was a great success. It's necessary to determine what's feasible, which adjustments we need to make about the number of teams and the limits on each nation we had for this year."
