Infantino’s World Cup sale sparks Premier League and FA backlash

Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup has ignited a firestorm, with the Premier League and the FA publicly withdrawing support and demanding his resignation. The Swiss chief’s swift backtrack follows severe criticism from governing bodies, politicians and FIFA colleagues.

Gianni Infantino has faced severe criticism for his plan to sell the World Cup, a move first unveiled by the Swiss chief earlier this summer, as seen in ImagesGianni coverage. The proposal, referred to as World Cup(Image, aimed to sell a portion of the tournament to external investors, sparking immediate backlash. Images of the controversy were circulated by Getty Images.

Infantino performed a swift backtrack after criticism from a number of governing bodies, politicians and FIFA colleagues. The FA also withdrew its support despite a grovelling apology from the president. The criticism was highlighted by Daniel Orme, Sports Writer21:35, on 18 Aug 2026.

Premier League chief joins the outcry

Premier League CEO Richard Masters has joined the calls for Infantino to leave FIFA, suggesting the criticism is of FIFA’s own making. He has now called for a new president of world football’s governing body.

Speaking to , Masters said, “I don’t think FIFA should ever be contemplating selling off a stake in the World Cup.” He added, “They’re a not‑for‑profit organisation and should hold that competition in trust for the future of football.” He praised the FA for taking the right position regarding Infantino.

Masters also said an emerging unity candidate should have reform of FIFA and perhaps even reform of the president’s role on their agenda. He emphasized that such changes are essential for the sport’s governance.

Further governance worries

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for Infantino to be moved on, describing the selling suggestion as outrageous. Burnham argued that the idea shows the FIFA president is the wrong man to lead the organisation.

Masters voiced concerns over the decision to cancel Folarin Balogun’s red card after a phone call between Infantino and Donald Trump. He questioned why FIFA does not have a straightforward red‑card review process like the Premier League.

Masters warned that FIFA must uphold non‑political inference within the game, a promise it has struggled to keep. He called for proper thinking on the issue to protect the integrity of football.