Premier League Chief: FIFA 'Pressed Self-Destruct Button' Over World Cup Plan

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has strongly criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights of FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. Masters described the proposal as a "self-inflicted wound" and stated that FIFA has "pressed the self-destruct button."

The plan, known as Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), aimed to create a new company to manage commercial and ticketing rights, with 21% to be sold to a private investment firm. However, it was abandoned following significant backlash from various confederations, notably UEFA, which had threatened a boycott of FIFA events.

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This is a problem of Fifa's making. This is a self-inflicted wound. The organisation has pressed the self-destruct button, and the consequence of that flow now into the solutions to be that need to be found.

Masters voiced his support for the English Football Association's decision to withdraw backing for Infantino. He also called for a new candidate for the FIFA presidency who could unite the sport. Masters made these remarks in a wide-ranging interview ahead of the new Premier League season, where he also addressed other issues including financial rules and the league's future direction.

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unity candidate