ไทย
English
中國人
FIFA and Gianni Infantino have faced relentless criticism following the president's stunning attempt to sell stakes in future World Cups to private investors, with even more condemnation now coming to light.
Although FIFA abandoned its $20 billion proposal just days after it was leaked to the media, Infantino's reputation—along with FIFA's—has yet to be restored, and the road to recovery may be a lengthy one.
English Premier League CEO Richard Masters showed no sympathy for Infantino on Tuesday, instead voicing his backing of the FA and UEFA, both of which have publicly denounced the president and called for his removal. UEFA is even keeping boycott threats against FIFA competitions alive, with the confederation stating they will remain in place unless FIFA guarantees it will never again attempt to put soccer up for sale.
"I don't think FIFA should ever be contemplating selling off a stake in the World Cup. They're a not-for-profit organization," Masters told BBC Sport on Tuesday. "They should really be holding that competition in trust for the future of football, so I think it's a bad idea, and the FA have taken the right position with regard to Gianni [Infantino].
"It's a problem of FIFA's making," he added. "This is a self-inflicted wound. They are the people, the organization that has pressed the self-destruct button, and the consequences of that flow into the solutions that need to be found."
Richard Masters Wants Gianni Infantino Out
For Masters, the answer lies in removing Infantino from his position. The Swiss administrator, who has occupied the role since 2016, was originally expected to run unopposed in next spring's election; however, others may now view it as a seat that is up for grabs.
No official challenger has formally declared a run against Infantino for the presidency; however, several prominent names have surfaced in discussions, including Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness and legendary former Arsenal manager-turned-Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger.
"Obviously another candidate has to emerge, a unity candidate," Masters told Sky News. "At the moment, you've got a situation where three of the confederations are seemingly not with Gianni [Infantino], and the others are either for him or undeclared. Hopefully someone can bring all of those confederations back together.
"World football needs a strong FIFA making good, strong decisions, and this was a significant own goal."