FIFA Executive Clarifies Match Venue Choices Solely Rest With FIFA
A senior world football vice-president has emphasized that all potential relocation of global tournament fixtures must be determined by the governing body, not any political figure.
Victor Montagliani, who also heads the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, made these remarks after this week's assertions from the US president about potentially relocating matches from some urban areas deemed unsafe.
"It's the Federation's tournament, FIFA's jurisdiction, the organization takes those decisions," Montagliani informed attendees at a Leaders Week London event. "Respectfully to present global figures, soccer is bigger than them and football will survive their regime and their policies."
Diplomatic Engagements and Confederation Matters
The official, whose country is jointly hosting the forthcoming World Cup with the US and Mexican federation, has frequently participated in diplomatic discussions since the start of the current American administration.
Regarding the topic of Israel's ongoing involvement in global football, which has sparked significant discussion in the past week, Montagliani indicated that the issue falls under European football's governing body.
"I respect that it's a decision by the European body. It's their member, they have to deal with it and I respect not only the proper procedure, but whatever outcome they make," he commented. "The global body get asked to deal with a many of matters by a variety of bodies, but primarily it's a affiliate of Uefa."
Tournament Growth and Upcoming Structures
Regarding the debated topic of global competitions and their expanding scope, the vice-president expressed approval for a larger interclub championship but opposition regarding a expanded World Cup for the 100th edition in the year 2030.
"I don't see the rationale for 64 teams," he remarked. "We are not alone but European football and Asia that are opposed that. However, the Club World Cup was a great success. We need to determine what's possible, which changes we need to make about the number of teams and the caps on every nation we had for this year."
