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FIFA president Infantino leaning toward a 48-team World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino answers reporters after a FIFA Executives meeting in Roissy, outside Paris, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016. Infantino says he's warming to a World Cup expanded to 48 teams but still hasn't decided whether 40 nations might not be better. (AP Photo/John Leicester)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino answers reporters after a FIFA Executives meeting in Roissy, outside Paris, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016. Infantino says he's warming to a World Cup expanded to 48 teams but still hasn't decided whether 40 nations might not be better. (AP Photo/John Leicester) FIFA President Gianni Infantino answers reporters after a FIFA Executives meeting in Roissy, outside Paris, Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016. Infantino says he's warming to a World Cup expanded to 48 teams but still hasn't decided whether 40 nations might not be better. (AP Photo/John Leicester)

By Associated Press 1 min read

ROISSY, France (AP) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino says he is warming to the idea of an expanded 48-team World Cup, rather than just 40.

Speaking outside Paris, Infantino says “I like 48 because it gives a little flavor but I’m still really torn.”

Infantino also says tests on video replays that would be accessible to referees have overcome his skepticism about the technology. He hopes replays will be available for the 2018 World Cup.

He says it is “paradoxical” that television audiences and spectators with mobile phones can now immediately see replays but referees can’t.

Infantino says initial tests have been “positive,” and adds “I really hope that in 2018 we’ll really be able to help World Cup referees to not make serious mistakes.”