FIFA Official States Match Venue Decisions Exclusively Rest With the Federation
An executive world football vice-president has clarified that any possible moving of global tournament matches is to be determined by the governing body, and not by any political figure.
The FIFA vice-president, additionally heads the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, delivered these comments following this week's statements from the US president about possibly relocating matches from some urban areas deemed unsafe.
"This is the Federation's tournament, under FIFA's jurisdiction, the organization takes such choices," Montagliani informed attendees at a Leaders Week London event. "Respectfully to current global figures, soccer is above them and the sport will survive their regime and their policies."
International Responsibilities and Regional Issues
The official, whose country is jointly hosting the upcoming tournament with the US and Mexico, has often engaged in diplomatic matters following the commencement of the present American government.
On the subject of a certain nation's continued involvement in international soccer, which has generated considerable discussion in the past week, he indicated that the issue is the responsibility of European football's governing body.
"I acknowledge that it's a decision by the European body. As one of their members, they have to address it and I respect not only the proper process, but whatever decision they make," he commented. "Fifa get asked to handle a many of things by a lot of organizations, but primarily it's a member of Uefa."
Competition Expansion and Future Formats
On the contentious issue of Fifa competitions and their expanding reach, the vice-president expressed support for a larger interclub championship but opposition regarding a 64-team finals for the centennial anniversary in the year 2030.
"There isn't the argument for 64 teams," Montagliani remarked. "It's not just us but European football and Asia that are against that. But, the Club World Cup was a great success. It's necessary to determine what's possible, what changes we need to make about the quantity of teams and the limits on each country we had for this year."
