FIFA Official States Game Venue Choices Exclusively Rest With FIFA
A senior world football official has clarified that any potential relocation of global tournament matches is to be decided by FIFA, not external world leader.
Victor Montagliani, who also leads the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, made these remarks following this week's assertions from the US president regarding potentially relocating matches from some cities considered unsafe.
"It's FIFA's competition, under FIFA's jurisdiction, the organization takes those choices," Montagliani informed the audience at The Summit. "With all due respect to present global figures, football is bigger than them and football will outlast their regime and their policies."
International Responsibilities and Regional Matters
The official, from a country is jointly hosting the upcoming World Cup with the US and Mexico, has frequently engaged in international matters following the commencement of the current American government.
Regarding the subject of a certain nation's continued involvement in international football, which has generated considerable discussion recently, Montagliani indicated that the matter is the responsibility of Uefa.
"I respect that it's a determination by Uefa. As one of their members, they have to deal with it and I support not only the appropriate process, but any decision they make," he said. "Fifa receives requests to handle a lot of things by a variety of bodies, but primarily it's a member of Uefa."
Tournament Expansion and Upcoming Formats
On the debated topic of global competitions and their growing scope, the vice-president expressed support for a bigger interclub championship but reservations toward a 64-team finals for the centennial anniversary in 2030.
"There isn't the argument for 64 teams," Montagliani remarked. "We are not alone but Uefa and Asian confederation who are against that. But, the club tournament was a massive success. We need to determine what's feasible, what adjustments we need to make regarding the quantity of participants and the caps on each nation we had for the recent edition."
