Premier League chief says Fifa self-destructed over World Cup plan
Premier League CEO Richard Masters has publicly criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino's failed plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights. Masters described the move as a self-inflicted wound and called for a new, unifying candidate to lead the football governing body.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant rift between major European football leagues and FIFA leadership, potentially signaling a shift in global football governance.
Figure caption, Fifa shouldn't be selling stake in World Cup - Masters
Sports editor Published 25 minutes ago Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has criticised Fifa president Gianni Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan, saying the organisation has "pressed the self-destruct button" by delivering "a self-inflicted wound".
Infantino is under increasing pressure over his attempt, later abandoned, to create a new company to manage the commercial and ticketing rights of all Fifa competitions, including the World Cups, with 21% to be sold off to a private investment company.
Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) was aborted after widespread criticism from several confederations, led by Uefa, which has threatened a boycott of all Fifa competitions.
Masters backed the English Football Association's withdrawal of support for Infantino - and called for a new candidate for the presidency who could unify football.
"This is a problem of Fifa's making," Masters told BBC Sport.
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