FIFA hosts continental football bodies to talk on $25B deal

ZURICH (AP) — FIFA has hosted talks with football’s six continental governing bodies on a $25 billion offer to run two international competitions, seeking a decision before the World Cup kicks off in June.

FIFA President Gianni President wants support for a 12-year deal from 2021 with a Japanese-led consortium. It would expand the Club World Cup to a 24-team event every four years, and create a Nations League for more than 200 national teams.

Philippe Moggio, general secretary of North American football body CONCACAF, says “there is a sense of urgency to move forward” with the project.

Still, European consent seems unlikely before an initial 60-day deadline from investors expires by mid-May.

Asian confederation general secretary Windsor John says FIFA plans for a working group to study the issues.