FIFA had considered the prospect of increasing the number of teams from 16 to 24, to reflect the growing global popularity of women's football and the Women's World Cup. However, on 14 March 2008, the FIFA Executive Committee decided to keep the number of participants at 16, concerned that more teams would dilute the quality of play.Associated Press. FIFA keeps 16 teams for 2011 Women's World Cup. ESPN.com. 13 March 2008. Retrieved 30 July 2008. The idea of having 20 teams taking part, which had been discussed briefly, was ruled impossible to implement in terms of fixture planning and logistics.Sixteen teams at Germany 2011. FIFA.com. 16 March 2008. Retrieved 29 April 2008. During the 2007 Women's World Cup, FIFA president Sepp Blatter had campaigned for the idea to increase the number of teams, although this proposal was not unquestioned. In particular the 11–0 victory of Germany over Argentina in the opening game of the 2007 tournament had caused a debate over whether there were 24 national teams on a comparable level.AFP. FIFA chief dismayed at 11–0 scoreline in women's World Cup opener. Google News. 11 September 2007. Retrieved 30 July 2008.
