Prince Ali: world cup should have 36 teams

The candidate for the Fifa presidency has
confirmed that he wants to expand the tournament
as he released an updated version of his manifesto
Prince Ali bin Al Hussein has confirmed his
intention to expand the World Cup to 36
teams after being left as the sole candidate to
challenge Sepp Blatter for the Fifa presidency.
Michael van Praag and Luis Figo both announced
that they would not be putting their names on the
ballot box on Thursday in order to throw support
behind a single challenger to prevent Blatter
winning a fifth consecutive term in office.
Van Praag and Prince Ali conducted a joint news
conference to outline their vision, with the
latter revealing his plans for the World Cup to have
four more teams in his revised manifesto.
The Jordanian wants the Asian, African and
American and Caribbean federations all to gain an
additional team, while the South American and
Oceania federations will rise from 4.5 and 0.5 to
five and one slots respectively.
"I will make a commitment to extend the number
of teams in the World Cup from 32 to 36 teams as
soon as possible," Prince Ali said.
"Ideally in time for the 2018 World Cup in Russia."
Upon confirming his advocacy for Prince Ali, Van
Praag urged his supporters to back his campaign.
"I've also talked to the presidents who endorsed
me with a letter, they understand and support what
me and Prince Ali are doing," he said.
"I fully support Mr Ali and ask for the member
states that promised me their support to vote for
Prince Ali in the coming elections.
"I will have an active role in the next weeks to
convince those people who need to be convinced
to vote for the Prince."