Uefa holds talks to expand Nations League as pressure mounts on Infantino
European football’s governing body Uefa has opened discussions with Concacaf regarding a dramatic expansion of the Nations League to include teams from North and Central America.
The proposed structural changes could see cross-continental participation implemented as early as the 2028-29 edition of the tournament.
Crucially, the addition of new nations would not occupy extra space on the increasingly congested international match calendar.
Initial plans suggest a league phase spanning the autumn 2028 international windows, culminating in finals scheduled for March and June of the following year.
Mounting pressure on Fifa leadership
These bilateral negotiations point towards an escalating collaboration between the two confederations that pointedly excludes global governing body Fifa.
The dialogue arrives at a time when Fifa president Gianni Infantino is facing intensified scrutiny over his controversial attempt to bring private investors into the running of the World Cup.
Both Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin and his Concacaf counterpart Victor Montagliani reportedly share a belief that the embattled administrator should resign with dignity rather than seek re-election.
Montagliani is widely viewed by industry observers as a viable potential challenger for the presidency should a leadership contest ultimately materialise.
Global expansion prospects
The Asian Football Confederation is also understood to be closely monitoring the expanded tournament dialogue, potentially paving the way for their future inclusion.
Meanwhile, the current Fifa boss is expected to attend a youth football event in the Dominican Republic this weekend, presenting a crucial opportunity to consolidate support among Caribbean voting blocks.
Several regional nations, including St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda, have already publicly reaffirmed their backing for the current regime.
Internal turmoil and recent dismissals
However, internal turmoil continues to dog world football’s governing institution following the recent dismissal of Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour.
Lamour was suddenly sacked just two weeks after speaking out against the highly criticised commercial proposals.
He accused the Fifa boss of “deceiving” staff.