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'Exploitative ideas' - Top leagues criticise Infantino and call for FIFA reform

European football competitions including the Premier League and Serie A have issued a joint critique targeting FIFA president Gianni Infantino over what they describe as exploitative proposals and inadequate oversight within the organization. The governing body previously dropped a proposal to sell World Cup equity following heavy pushback and subsequent legal threats from UEFA, while Infantino recently indicated a willingness to undergo an external review regarding those plans ahead of the scheduled March 2027 presidential vote.

The league administrators are demanding a transparent and inclusive governance framework, asking for key stakeholders to join decision-making procedures, evidence-based policies supported by public documentation, and a clean separation between commercial operations and regulatory duties. Tensions were further amplified by controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun participating against Belgium despite a prior red card, a suspension that was lifted following communication between U.S.

President Donald Trump and Infantino, prompting criticism from figures such as Gary Neville.