FIFA will go ahead with a new 24-team Club World Cup starting in 2021, the ruling body’s President Gianni Infantino said on Friday.
Infantino, speaking at a news conference, said FIFA had made the decision at its council meeting on Friday.
His comments came after the European Clubs Association wrote a letter asking him not make a decision now and saying they would not take part in the 2021 tournament.
Infantino said he believed a 48-team World Cup in 2022 in Qatar is “feasible”, adding that FIFA would continue to study the options.
“If it happens, fantastic. If it doesn’t happen, fantastic also,” he said.
No decision will be made on expanding that tournament, with possible additional host nations, until June, Infantino said.
The FIFA Council also decided to use VAR video review technology at June’s Women’s World Cup in France.
