Tuesday 10 January 2017 10:21, UK
FIFA delegates will vote on proposals to expand the World Cup to a 48-team tournament on Tuesday.
President Gianni Infantino wants to implement a new format from 2026 featuring 16 three-team groups followed by five knockout rounds.
Infantino's proposal has been criticised by some as a money-making scheme and would mean 80 games instead of the current 64, but supporters including Jose Mourinho have pointed out the maximum number of games any team can play would remain the same at seven.
There are five options in all available to FIFA's 37-member council - two involving expansion to 48 teams, two proposing a 40-team tournament and one to leave the finals in their current 32-team format.
Infantino, who replaced Sepp Blatter in FIFA's top job, is confident of winning backing for his plan despite opposition from high-profile clubs and associations including the German Football Federation (DFB).
DFB president Reinhard Grindel said last week: "We're fundamentally convinced that the tried-and-tested model of 32 participating nations should be held.
"The world championships were always tournaments that inspired - why should that change?"
