Thursday FKs: 48 links is the right number

Fifa’s Infantino suggests 16 three-team groups for revamped World Cup | The Guardian

Gianni Infantino gave several suggestions for expanding the World Cup including a format for 48 teams.

Carolina Railhawks rebrand to North Carolina FC, set sights on MLS | MLS Soccer

North Carolina FC (formerly Carolina Railhawks) and Tampa Bay Rowdies are both hoping to enter MLS. North Carolina FC has also expressed interest in joining the NWSL.

Tampa Bay Rowdies launch bid to join MLS | Sports Illustrated

Tampa Bay’s owner presented an ambitious plan to join MLS, including 80 million dollars of renovations to the club’s stadium.

MLS Cup, Toronto FC and soccer's fight for relevance in Canada | The Guardian

David Rudin examines Toronto FC and their journey to the club’s first-ever MLS final.

Ex-Nicaraguan soccer official pleads guilty in U.S. bribery case | Reuters

In other FIFA news, former FIFA official Julio Rocha plead guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy.

CEO Of Airline Involved In Chapecoense Plane Crash Arrested | Deadspin

The CEO of the airline company that owned and operated the plane from the Chapecoense crash was arrested. There’s a growing possibility that negligence may have resulted in the plane crash that killed 71 passengers.