English FA join critics of World Cup expansion

 "Following today's FIFA Council decision, we will work with UEFA, FIFA and the other European associations to understand how the 48-team FIFA World Cup will work," the English FA said in a statement.
 
"The priority has to be consideration of the potential impact on fans, players, teams and leagues, and also recognition of the importance of sporting integrity and commercial viability.
 
"In terms of the allocation of places, we note that further discussions will follow across the confederations and would expect a proper consultation process to be carried out before any decision is made."

Professional leagues are likely to adopt a harder stance towards the new format, with the Spanish La Liga the first to voice their opposition within minutes of FIFA's announcement on Tuesday morning.