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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jamie Gardner

Premier League ramps up pressure on Infantino as it calls for Fifa reform

  • The Premier League alongside La Liga, the Bundesliga, and Serie A have issued a joint statement declaring Fifa's current governance structure “not fit for purpose” and demanding fundamental reform to curb unchecked power.
  • The coalition of European leagues expressed strong opposition to Fifa's relentless expansionism, criticising the lack of consultation with domestic stakeholders over major unilateral decisions such as extending the International Match Calendar.
  • Concerns were also raised regarding political meddling in disciplinary matters, specifically citing US president Donald Trump's admission that he personally telephoned Gianni Infantino to request a review of Folarin Balogun's one-match World Cup suspension.
  • The leagues have proposed structural checks and balances, including a permanent committee of associations, leagues, clubs, and player representatives holding veto power over international calendars, employment, and core assets.
  • Uefa has withdrawn support for Infantino ahead of March's Fifa presidential election and requested an independent external inquiry into the withdrawn Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, which Infantino has defended while dismissing criticisms as a “smear campaign”.

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