FIFA increases squad size for 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Since the Covid-19 scare still hovers, FIFA has decided to increase the squad size for the upcoming World Cup 2022 which will be held in Qatar, starting November 21st.

FIFA in its statement said that the number of players to be included in the final list has been increased to at least 23 and a maximum of 26.

The football governing body further said that the decision to expand squads was made due to the need to retain additional flexibility due to the unique timing of this year's competition, which will interrupt the European club season.

The extra players will likely come from the European clubs whose domestic seasons are expected to be paused by November 13th. FIFA also took into consideration the disruptive effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and increased the squad size.

Only 22 players were allowed in the squad for any international tournament before.