• A World Cup with 48 teams (from 2026) has already been decided-Infantino
• Infantino also said FIFA are looking to expand the Club World Cup that is held annually.
Image: REUTERS
A biennial World Cup will not dilute the "magic" of the tournament as its frequency would have no bearing on its quality and prestige, Fifa president Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday.
Soccer's world governing body Fifa is conducting a feasibility study into the practicalities of staging a World Cup every two years, a move that has been met with fierce criticism from various confederations, clubs, players and fan groups.
"A World Cup with 48 teams (from 2026) has already been decided. Whether it will take place every two years or four years, that is under consultation," Infantino told media in Israel.
"Definitely believe in having more prestigious events, whether the World Cup or anything else... Precisely because it is a magic tournament is perhaps why it should happen more often.
"The prestige of an event depends on its quality, not its frequency. You have the Super Bowl every year, Wimbledon or the Champions League every year, and everyone is excited and waiting for it."
Infantino also said Fifa are looking to expand the Club World Cup that is held annually.
"We would like to increase the value of national championships and domestic leagues," he added. "We need to find the right format that won't be too disruptive to the calendar and all the other events."
Infantino was also asked if Israel could ever host the World Cup and he said the country co-hosting the event with its neighbours in the Middle East was definitely an option.
"Why can't we dream of the World Cup in Israel and its neighbours? With the Abraham Accords, why should we not do it here in Israel with her neighbours in the Middle East and the Palestinians," Infantino said.
Elsewhere, Fifa is investigating the clashes at Wembley Stadium between police and Hungarian supporters at Tuesday's game against England saying it has "zero tolerance against such abhorrent behaviour".
World soccer's governing body is also looking into incidents in the game between Albania and Poland in Tirana, where bottles were thrown on the pitch after Poland scored.
"Fifa is currently analysing reports of last night’s Fifa World Cup qualifier matches in order to determine the most appropriate action," the governing body said in a statement.
"Fifa strongly condemns the incidents at England v. Hungary and Albania v. Poland and would like to state that its position remains firm and resolute in rejecting any form of violence as well as any form of discrimination or abuse.
"Fifa has a very clear zero-tolerance stance against such abhorrent behaviour in football," they added.
Police came under attack from Hungary fans after they moved into the 'away section' and had to retreat.
The Metropolitan Police said they had taken action after a steward was racially abused.
"Shortly after the start of tonight's match at Wembley, officers entered the stand to arrest a spectator for a racially aggravated public order offence following comments made towards a steward," the police said on Twitter.
"As the officers made the arrest, minor disorder broke out involving other spectators. Order was quickly restored and there have been no further incidents at this stage."