STEWART REGAN, the Scottish Football Association chief executive, has backed Michel Platini's wish to see the World Cup finals expanded from 32 to 40 teams.
The UEFA president was responding to Sepp Blatter, his FIFA counterpart, who had called for greater representation of African and Asian countries. That was thought to mean a likely cut in Europe's 13 places but Platini has instead proposed enlarging the event to include a further eight nations, including one extra from the European qualifying section.
"Football is changing and we now we have 209 associations," he said. "There are more countries so why reduce [the number of European entrants]? You have three days more of competition and you make more people happy." FIFA have yet to comment but Regan tweeted: "Michel Platini would like to see 40 teams qualify for the World Cup finals. Makes sense and maintains UEFA presence. Scotland 35th in FIFA! Far rather 40 places and maintain the current UEFA presence than reduce it further."
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