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FIFA keen to create own version of UEFA Nations League

FIFA president wants a new 'mini World Cup' for international teams in addition to an expanded version of the Club World Cup

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino is set to put forward plans for two new global tournaments at the organisation's council meeting on Friday.

FIFA's ruling council are set to discuss president Gianni Infantino's plans for two new global tournaments when it meets later this week.

Infantino wants to introduce a 'mini World Cup', which would mirror the format of UEFA's Nations League, and an expanded version of FIFA's Club World Cup.

FIFA's ruling council meets in Kigali, Rwanda, with the two tournaments featuring among the items for discussion on Friday according to the agenda document.

England's Raheem Sterling (obscured) celebrates scoring his England's first goal of the game during the Nations League match against Spain
Image: England would currently qualify for the proposed tournament

However, there has been backlash to the plans already, with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin describing them as "highly cynical and ruthless mercantilism" along with accusing FIFA of selling the soul of the game.

The tournaments have the potential to be highly lucrative for FIFA, with Infantino having revealed to FIFA Council members in May that his plans are backed by a "solid and serious" group of investors willing to spend £19 billion over a 12-year cycle starting in 2021.

The letter did not outline the identity of the investors but several media reports have stated that Japanese conglomerate SoftBank Group is heading the consortium, which also includes Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund.

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid lifts the trophy after the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 Final between Gremio and Real Madrid at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Image: Real Madrid were victorious at the most recent Club World Cup, lifting the trophy in December 2017

The proposals, which would bring about major changes to the international calendar, outline what would effectively be a mini World Cup, featuring eight international teams, every two years in addition to the traditional event.

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The tournament, known as the 'Final 8', would be the climax of a proposed global Nations League competition, taking place in October and November of every odd year starting from 2021. Meanwhile, the Confederations Cup would be abolished.

The annual Club World Cup, which currently features seven teams, would be expanded to 24 teams and take place just once every four years, according to the proposals.

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