Premier League chief executive Richard Masters
According to Bbc.
Why it matters
Richard Masters' criticism of FIFA's sales plan highlights growing tensions between football organizations and the need for more united leadership in football. The Football Association's decision to withdraw support for Infantino could have significant repercussions on football governance globally, including affecting Premier League competitions. This context could also influence Premier League clubs, such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, which are increasingly involved in international dynamics.
Key points
- Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.
- Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League, has criticized FIFA's World Cup sales plan, saying the organization has "hit the self-destruct button".
- Premier League chief Richard Masters says Fifa self-destructed over World Cup plan - BBC Sport.
Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League, has expressed strong criticism of Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, over the controversial plan to sell the commercial rights to the World Cup. Masters stated that FIFA had "hit the self-destruct button" with this initiative, which would lead to "a self-inflicted wound" for the organization.
Infantino is under growing pressure for attempting to set up a new company to manage the commercial and ticketing rights to all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, with plans to sell 21% to a private investment firm. This plan was abandoned after fierce criticism from several confederations, most notably UEFA, which threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions.
Masters has backed the Football Association's decision to withdraw support for Infantino, calling for a new presidential candidate who can unite the world of football. "This is a problem created by FIFA," Masters said in an interview, underlining the need to find solutions to remedy the current situation.
Additionally, Masters touched on various topics ahead of the start of the new Premier League season, which kicks off on Friday with the match between reigning champions Arsenal and recently promoted Coventry. He expressed concern over the situation surrounding the red card given to Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, highlighting FIFA's lack of a clear red card review process, which contrasts with the Premier League system.
The chief executive also spoke of the challenges the Premier League will face in this new era, with a record number of nine new managers on the starting line. While Arsenal maintain continuity under Mikel Arteta, rival teams such as Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have new managers at the helm.
Masters then commented on the recent fine imposed on Chelsea for breaches relating to payments to agents, underlining that this is not comparable to penalties for breaches of financial sustainability rules. He also noted that the case against Manchester City, accused of more than 100 breaches of financial rules, is taking longer than expected, but reiterated that the organization must follow the established legal process.
In conclusion, Masters reiterated that FIFA should never consider selling a share of the World Cup, as it is a non-profit organization and should guard this competition for the future of football. With the deadline to nominate candidates against Infantino set for November 18, Masters called for the emergence of a "unity candidate" who can bring about significant reforms for FIFA and football in general.
What happens now
With the imminent start of the new Premier League season, clubs will focus on their performances on the pitch, while the situation with FIFA remains tense. Masters stressed the importance of finding a new FIFA presidential candidate who can unite the world of football, which could lead to significant changes in policies and relations between football federations. Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, will need to monitor developments closely, as FIFA decisions may have a direct impact on their operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Richard Masters criticize about FIFA?
Richard Masters has criticized the plan to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, saying FIFA has 'hit the self-destruct button'.
Who confirmed the withdrawal of support for Gianni Infantino?
Richard Masters has supported the Football Association's decision to withdraw support for Gianni Infantino.
Why is there now criticism of FIFA?
Criticism of FIFA has increased after an attempt to set up a new company to manage commercial rights was abandoned following fierce criticism from several confederations.
What changes were requested by Masters?
Masters has called for a new candidate for the presidency of FIFA who can unite the world of football.
What is Masters' concern regarding Folarin Balogun?
Masters has expressed concern over the red card given to Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, highlighting FIFA's lack of a clear red card review process.
