Europe, for example, has demanded 15 places, plus host France, an automatic qualifier. That would mean 16 European teams, or half the field. The argument is that Europe is where the best soccer is played, as evidenced by the fact that seven of the eight World Cup '94 quarterfinalists were European. Europe had 13 teams in World Cup '94.
South America, too, which had four teams this year, is asking for greater representation, suggesting that each of the five major confederations (ignoring Oceania) be given one additional place. Africa and Asia, meanwhile, are demanding not one, but two additional berths each in the finals. Africa cu rrently has three, Asia two.
The soccer federation is expected to announce its decision Thursday.
Chances are, Europe will be given three additional places; Asia, Africa, South America and CONCACAF (the North and Central American and Caribbean region) will each get one, and the eighth will be up for grabs.
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The English Football League said it will not penalize Manchester United for fielding an under-strength team in two League Cup games earlier this season, accepting manager Alex Ferguson's explanation that the demands of his team's Premier League and Champions League schedule led him to bench most of his usual starters in League Cup wins against Port Vale on Sept. 21 and Oct. 5.
The league also said Monday it would recommend that teams playing in European competitions receive an automatic bye to the third round of the League Cup starting next season to lessen the schedule load. (LAT, AP)
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