European Club Association 'fail to see the merits' of move to a 48-team World Cup

The European Club Association represents the interests of clubs such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

An association comprising some of the top clubs in Europe has criticised The FIFA Council's backing for an expanded 48-team World Cup.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that FIFA president Gianni Infantino's idea to increase the number of participating nations at the finals from 32 to 48 had been approved by delegates in Zurich, with the plans set to be enforced from the 2026 competition onwards.