Premier League chief executive Richard Masters attacked the failed FIFA World Cup stake plan, saying the governing body had pressed its own “self-destruct button.”
Masters told BBC Sport on Tuesday that FIFA had created a “self-inflicted wound” through the proposal. He said the fallout would now shape efforts to resolve the dispute.
He argued that FIFA should protect the World Cup for football’s future. Masters said the not-for-profit governing body should never consider selling a stake in the tournament.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has faced criticism over the abandoned proposal. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf accused FIFA of “deception” and a “fundamental breach of trust.”
The English Football Association has also withdrawn support for Infantino. Masters backed that position and described the proposed stake sale as a bad idea.
Read: Gianni Infantino Seeks Trump Help After $4.2B FIFA Plan Fails
Masters also called for a “unity candidate” to challenge Infantino for the FIFA presidency. He said any challenger should pursue reform of FIFA and examine the powers of its president.
Read: FIFA COO Kevin Lamour Exits After Criticising Infantino Plan
Infantino plans to seek re-election at the FIFA Congress in March 2027. No challenger had declared a candidacy at the time of publication.
