Premier League CEO Discusses FIFA Crisis, Man City Charges, and World

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has spoken to BBC Sports Editor Dan Roan ahead of the 2026/27 season, addressing several pressing issues including the fallout from Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, the ongoing wait for a ruling on Manchester City's 115 charges, and Chelsea's fine for financial rule breaches.

Key Topics Covered

A New Era for the Premier League?

The interview, which aired on Radio 5 Live on 18 August 2026, began with a discussion on whether the league is entering a new era, given that nine managerial changes have been made heading into the new season. Masters offered his perspective on the potential impact of these changes on the competitive landscape.

FIFA Crisis Fallout

Masters delved into the crisis surrounding FIFA, triggered by Gianni Infantino's bid to sell off a stake in the World Cup to private investors. The Premier League CEO discussed the implications of such a move for the sport globally, as well as the recent exit of Kevin Lamour from FIFA, which was highlighted as a significant development in the ongoing situation.

World Cup Expansion

The conversation also touched on the potential expansion of the World Cup, a topic that has been under consideration by FIFA. Masters provided his views on how such an expansion could affect the international football calendar and domestic leagues.

Manchester City's Charges

A major point of discussion was the long-awaited ruling on Manchester City's 115 charges related to alleged financial fair play breaches. Masters acknowledged the wait for a decision, noting the complexity of the case and its significance for the league's regulatory framework.

Chelsea's Fine

Masters also commented on Chelsea's fine for financial rule breaches, which has drawn attention to the league's enforcement mechanisms. The fine is part of broader efforts to ensure clubs comply with financial regulations.

Squad Cost Ratio Spending Controls

Finally, the interview covered the introduction of squad cost ratio spending controls, a new measure designed to promote financial sustainability among clubs. Masters explained how these controls would work and their expected impact on club spending.

The full interview is available on the BBC's Football Daily podcast, which is accessible for over a year. The episode, lasting 18 minutes, provides an in-depth look at the challenges and changes facing the Premier League as it prepares for the new season.