FIFA's World Cup Plan: Premier League Manager
August 20, 2026
Richard Masters said FIFA's plan to sell shares in the World Cup was a detriment to the sport. This decision of FIFA has been criticized by many football associations.
FIFA's World Cup Plan: Premier League Manager
News.
Background
Richard Masters, as CEO of the Premier League, criticizes FIFA's influence on the World Cup and its administrative problems. While emphasizing that FIFA should keep the World Cup as a trust for the future of football, he points out that such plans could harm the integrity of the sport.
Why is it important
Richard Masters' criticism of FIFA's plan to sell shares for the World Cup started an important debate in the football world. This situation questions FIFA's responsibilities as a non-profit organization and raises concerns for the future of the World Cup. Particularly the reactions of UEFA and other football federations reveal that FIFA's management style needs to be reconsidered.
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- FIFA's World Cup Plan: Premier League Manager.
- Richard Masters stated that FIFA's plan to sell shares in the World Cup is a harm for the sport.
- FIFA pressed 'self-destruct button' on World Cup: Premier League chief - Türkiye Today.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters described the situation as "self-harm" after FIFA's plan to sell its stake in the World Cup failed. "This is a self-inflicted wound. The organization has hit the self-harm button and the consequences of that are now being reflected in the solutions that need to be found," Masters told BBC Sport.
Masters emphasized that FIFA, as a non-profit organization, should keep the World Cup as a trust for the future of football. "I don't think FIFA should ever consider selling a stake in the World Cup," he said. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing increasing criticism with the cancellation of this plan.
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the North, Central American and Caribbean Football Federation (CONCACAF) accused FIFA of misleading and breach of trust in its handling of this proposal. Many national football bodies, including the FA, withdrew their support for Infantino. Masters backed the FA's stance, saying: "This is a bad idea and the FA has taken the correct position on Gianni."
Besides this, Masters added that a candidate who represents unity against Infantino should be elected. “The candidate representing an emerging union should put on their agenda the reform of FIFA and perhaps how the role of the presidency interacts,” he said. Infantino is seeking re-election at the FIFA Congress in March 2027; but so far no rival has announced their candidacy.
FIFA announced at the end of July a proposal to create a new subsidiary that would hold commercial and operational rights to FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup. The plan involved selling approximately 20% of this venture to private investors, valuing it at $20 billion. A company owned by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, was listed as a potential buyer.UEFA's 55 member associations decided to boycott FIFA's organizations regarding this plan. Thereupon, FIFA's senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest. "This proposal has caused divisions of a nature that is no longer in the interest of the goal originally set," Infantino said, announcing that he had canceled the proposal.
What's next
The criticism faced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino seems to affect the organization's future decisions. In line with Richard Masters' proposal, FIFA is expected to enter a reform process and need a new leadership structure. In this process, new candidates are likely to emerge to represent the football union.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Richard Masters say?
Richard Masters described the failure of FIFA's plan to sell its shares in the World Cup as 'self-harm'.
Why was FIFA's share sale plan canceled?
FIFA's plan to sell shares was criticized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF and was described as a breach of trust.
How did Gianni Infantino react to this situation?
Gianni Infantino faces increasing criticism after FIFA's plan to sell shares was cancelled.
What might be the consequences of this situation?
Richard Masters described this situation as FIFA 'pressing the self-harm button' and stated that the consequences of this will be reflected in the solutions.
Are changes expected in FIFA?
Masters emphasized that a candidate representing unity against Infantino should be elected, and stated that there may be changes regarding the reform of FIFA and the role of the president.
Frequently Asked Questions
Richard Masters ne dedi?
FIFA'nın hisse satma planı neden iptal edildi?
Gianni Infantino bu durumu nasıl karşıladı?
Bu durumun sonuçları neler olabilir?
FIFA'da değişiklikler bekleniyor mu?
What happened in this story?
Who confirmed this news?
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