{
  "id": 1771772,
  "title": "Premier League head: FIFA hit self-destruct button over World Cup plan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/premier-league-head-fifa-hit-self-destruct-button-over-world-cup-plan",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T18:34:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/premier-league-head-fifa-hit-183409845.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has accused embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino of pressing the “self-destruct button” over failed plans to sell stakes in the World Cup. Infantino is fighting to stay in his job following huge backlash to his intention to sell a minority stake in FIFA tournaments to private investors.",
  "key_points": [
    "Premier League CEO Richard Masters criticizes FIFA's plan to sell World Cup stake.",
    "UEFA and FA oppose Infantino's proposal, withdrawing support.",
    "FIFA's move seen as self-destruct button, Masters urges trust-based tournament."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}