Premier League Backs FIFA Revolt Over 21% World Cup Rights Sale, Urges New Candidate
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 18
Premier League Backs FIFA Revolt Over 21% World Cup Rights Sale, Urges New Candidate
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 18
Summary
Richard Masters said FIFA "pressed the self-destruct button" by pursuing, then abandoning, a plan to sell 21% of a new company holding World Cup and other competition rights.
The Premier League chief backed the English FA's withdrawal of support for Gianni Infantino and called for a "unity candidate" before the 18 November deadline for next March's FIFA presidential election.
The shelved FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal had drawn broad opposition led by UEFA, while UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation accused FIFA last week of breaking trust "through deception."
Masters also widened his criticism to tournament governance, saying FIFA lacked a clear red-card review process after USA striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension was lifted for a year.
Infantino still has support from Africa, South America and Oceania, leaving football split as he seeks a fourth term next year.