Blatter hints at quota system changes

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has indicated changes could be made to the continental quota system to allow more non-European representation at future World Cup tournaments.

Blatter, speaking during a visit to South Africa to assess progress ahead of the 2010 World Cup, admitted the current continental qualification process works against nations from outside Europe.

At present, Europe have 53 teams competing for 13 places in the finals while Africa have the same number of teams competing for just five berths.

“There is a problem and the problem is the mathematical law of great numbers,” Blatter said.

“Europe, for example, they still have 13 teams. So if you have 13 teams, it is easier to bring one of these teams into the quarter-finals or semi-finals, than if you have only five.

“This is something which is difficult to change because in FIFA we have solidarity and democracy.

“But one day we have to change it and this needs to be done step by step.”

The 2010 World Cup will be the first to feature six teams from Africa – five from the qualifying stage plus the hosts – and Blatter hopes this increase in numbers will see a team from the world’s second-largest continent go further than ever before.

“I hope with all the power of Africa behind them, we’ll see an African team in the semi-finals,” he added.

“And if they get to the semi-finals, then why not go higher?”