Premier League criticizes Infantino: FIFA has pressed the self-destruct button
Richard Masters sharply criticized Gianni Infantino and his plan to sell the World Cup, calling for FIFA reform and a unity candidate at the elections in Morocco.
Richard Masters sharply criticized Gianni Infantino and his plan to sell the World Cup, calling for FIFA reform and a unity candidate at the elections in Morocco.
Richard Masters, chief executive of the English Premier League, has launched a scathing attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying the organization has "pressed the self-destruct button." In an interview with BBC Sport, Masters criticized Infantino's plan to sell the World Cup, which he later abandoned, and called for an end to his presidency.
Infantino has come under increasing pressure in recent days over his attempt to "sell the World Cup." Masters stressed that FIFA is a non-profit organization that should treat its competitions as custodians of the future of football.
"This is a problem of FIFA's own making. The organization has pressed the self-destruct button, and the consequences are now reflected in the solutions that need to be found," Masters told BBC Sport.
The Premier League chief reiterated his support for the English Football Association's (FA) decision not to back Infantino at the elections in Morocco next March. At the same time, Masters expressed hope that a "unity candidate" would emerge to champion positive change within FIFA.
"I think a candidate who emerges as a unity candidate should have FIFA reform on their agenda, and perhaps even reform of the role of the president and how it impacts these matters," Masters said.
Infantino has been at the helm of FIFA since 2016 and intends to run for another term. So far, he has no challengers, with the nomination deadline set for November 18, 2026. The FIFA presidential election will take place in Morocco in March 2027.
