Premier League chief says FIFA in World Cup plans

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Background

FIFA president Gianni Infantino's plan seeks to create a new economic model by selling World Cup TV, marketing and local rights together. However, major clubs like the Premier League are considering the plan against their interests, which could start a new conflict in international football.

Why is this important?

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters' comments are a strong backlash against FIFA's World Cup sales plan. The plan has caused concern for European clubs, as it could have a negative impact on their players. Masters' criticism could have important implications for the future of football and the clubs' relationship with FIFA.

main point

The head of the Premier League said that FIFA is planning the World Cup.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino's World Cup sales plan.
Premier League chief says Fifa self-destructed over World Cup plan.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino's World Cup sales plan. He said the organization had "pressed the self-destruct button". Masters said FIFA had done "a self-inflicted harm" by doing so. The next 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Infantino plans to sell World Cup TV rights, marketing rights and local rights together. This is expected to generate a huge turnover in the gaming market. However, this plan has been strongly criticized by clubs in Europe and Britain. Masters said, "The way the FIFA president has planned the sale of rights, it is clear that they did not want to include their main competitors, the European clubs, in this plan. I think this is a self-inflicted blow for FIFA. When they ignore our clubs like this, they must think about the damage it will do to them. "But we have not registered our players for any FIFA tournament. When our players play for the national team, they get injured, which hurts our clubs. So we will no longer accept them. "It would be much more profitable for us if we claim for ourselves the money that FIFA pays to put our players in their tournaments. "I think FIFA has created a big problem for them." Masters added, "When this proposal was first published, I thought it was a misinformation, maybe it wasn't right, but when I saw it was true, I said, immediately it is a self-defeating move. "It is a move, which will not be beneficial for FIFA. I'm sure they didn't think that." Last week, Infantino outlined the plan at a US conference. There were representatives of 30 countries, which have been invited to participate in the 2026 World Cup. Infantino said at the conference, "If the representatives of 50 countries vote in FIFA elections to receive 500 million dollars for each country, then I hope that if the number of invited countries for the 2026 World Cup is increased to 100 countries, then each country will be paid 1 billion dollars by FIFA." Masters also criticized this plan. He said, "This is a very ridiculous plan. I think it is not honorable for FIFA to do so."

What will happen next?

During the preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, negotiations between FIFA and European clubs are likely to intensify. After Masters' comments, clubs may be more organized against FIFA's plans and take steps to protect their interests. This situation may create new challenges in the international management of football, especially in the context of major tournaments such as the World Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the Premier League chief say?

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino's World Cup sales plan, saying FIFA has 'pressed the self-destruct button'.