Infantino Thinks Too Big for Finals

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The World Cup finals could be expanded to include 40 teams in 2026, the Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, said in Montevideo on Tuesday, adding that South America would be given five places.

Infantino, elected present of the world governing body in February, said: “We must open the finals up to more teams. The idea would be from 2026. We’re going to talk about this with everyone: players, the Fifa council. Not only do you give lots of teams the possibility of taking part, but also to many of dreaming of a place in the finals.”

The finals have had 32 teams since 1998 and the champions, who used to automatically qualify as holders, have had to go into the qualifying phase from the 2006 tournament. Infantino said he did not plan to change this policy under the new plans.

South America has four automatic berths and one in an intercontinental playoff for a 32-team tournament.

“My proposal for South America is five fixed places and maybe one more to play for on the pitch,” Infantino explained. He did not say how the eight new places would be distributed or played for.

The hosts for the 2026 finals have yet to be voted on while the 2018 tournament will be held in Russia and 2022 in Qatar.

Max Kruse Drops to New Low

Joachim Löw has confirmed Max Kruse has been dropped from the squad to face England and Italy after behaving “unprofessionally”.

Kruse is reported to have grabbed a mobile phone from a woman who was taking pictures of him in a night club in Berlin, where he was celebrating his 28th birthday.

The Wolfsburg forward apologised for his actions but after being given a warning by his club over his future conduct, Low has now told him not to show up for international duty.

“I made it clear to Max Kruse last week what I expect from him, both on and off the field,” said Löw on the German Football Association’s website.

I want players who focus on football and the European Championship, even between matches.

“Last weekend’s incident goes against my expectations. Max has once again behaved unprofessionally and I don’t accept that.

“Euro 2016 is on the horizon and we have big goals as a team there. We need players who are focused and aware of their status as a role model.”

The Germany squad is due to congregate in Berlin on Tuesday with 26 players rather than the originally summoned 27 expected.

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Franz Beckenbauer Fined by FIFA

Germany's World Cup-winning captain and coach Franz Beckenbauer has been warned and fined by Fifa's ethics committee.

Beckenbauer had been provisionally banned for "failing to co-operate" with Fifa's inquiry into the bidding processes for 2018 and 2022 World Cups, won by Russia and Qatar respectively.

The 70-year-old was one of 22 men who voted to decide the tournament hosts.

Fifa says he did not co-operate during an in-person interview and in response to written questions.

Beckenbauer, who Fifa said subsequently demonstrated a willingness to co-operate, was fined 7,000 Swiss Francs (£4,900).

Fifa did not look into matters relating to the awarding of the 2006 World Cup to Germany.

Beckenbauer was head of the tournament's organising committee which, reports alleged, made a payment to Fifa in return for a financial grant.

In October, he said he made a "mistake" in the bidding process but denied votes were bought.

Der Spiegel magazine reported an alleged slush fund of 6.7m euros was used to buy votes for Germany - an allegation denied by the German Football Association (DFB).

Beckenbauer captained West Germany to victory as hosts at the 1974 World Cup, and was coach when they next lifted the trophy in Italy 16 years later.

He then managed Marseille and Bayern Munich, where he is now honorary president.

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