Izuchukwu Okosi
FIFA is reported to be considering increasing the number of players in World Cup squads from 23 to 26 because of the effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe reports suggest a decision will be taken at the FIFA Congress at the end of March.
With the first ever winter World Cup kicking off on November 21, there are apparently concerns that the pandemic may once again cause considerable uncertainty and disruption to squads.
Rosters of 26 players were allowed at last summer’s Euros while the 2021 Copa America permitted 28, so FIFA would effectively be following suit.
Teams at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon had 28-man squads.
It is also being reported that FIFA will approve five substitutes being used in matches in Qatar rather than three.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
