- Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has accused Fifa president Gianni Infantino of pressing the self-destruct button after Infantino was forced to abandon plans to sell minority stakes in Fifa tournaments to private investors.
- Masters argued that Fifa, as a not-for-profit organisation, should hold the World Cup in trust rather than sell off commercial stakes, whilst praising the Football Association for withdrawing its backing of Infantino.
- Calling for governance changes, Masters suggested that an emerging unity candidate for next year's presidential election should prioritise reforming Fifa and restructuring the role of the president.
- The backlash intensified following the departure of Fifa chief operating officer Kevin Lamour, who spoke out against Infantino's plans and claimed staff had been deceived and subjected to contempt.
- President of the Norwegian Football Association Lise Klaveness condemned Lamour's departure as “ management by fear ”, urging Fifa administrators to stop obeying orders that damage the interests of football.
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