Premier League head: FIFA hit self-destruct button over World Cup plan

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino for pushing the "self-destruct button" with plans to sell a minority stake in the World Cup. Infantino is currently battling to retain his position following criticism over his proposal to sell a share in FIFA tournaments to private investors.

UEFA has become Infantino's most vocal opponent, with the Football Association (FA) withdrawing support for him. Masters told BBC Sport that FIFA's decision to consider selling the World Cup stake was "a problem of FIFA's making" and urged the organization to hold the tournament in trust for the future of football. He added that an emerging unity candidate should focus on reforming FIFA and potentially changing the president's role.

Earlier, Israel joined UEFA in withdrawing support for Infantino, while UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister described FIFA's decision to fire senior executive Kevin Lamour as "deeply troubling." Lamour had criticized Infantino's private investor plan, stating it was "the project of one person." McAllister, a former Wales captain, praised Lamour as an honourable and exemplary sports leader who represented the most important stakeholders in football.

Her criticism of his dismissal suggests it has further weakened FIFA's administration and undermined efforts to reform the organization.