The Premier League has joined three of its top European counterparts in calling for “fundamental” reform of the way that Fifa is run, claiming its president Gianni Infantino has “actively promoted exploitative ideas”.

In a joint statement with Spain’s La Liga, Germany’s Bundesliga, and Italy’s Serie A, the English top flight says it is speaking out “because we understand how Fifa’s relentless expansionism affects everyone”.

The four leagues say the shake-up is needed to make world football’s governing body “transparent, objective, proportionate and inclusive” and claim that “our sport cannot grow globally if its foundations are undermined”.

It comes days after Infantino proposed an external review of how Fifa operates amid the ongoing crisis over his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, which sparked a global outcry.

Referencing “one of the biggest abuses of power in Fifa’s history”, the four leagues say that “while football’s stakeholders ultimately forced the withdrawal of the Fifa Forward Enterprise scheme, the conditions that led to FFE remain”.

The statement added: “The Fifa president has now acknowledged the need for reform, but it is not enough for surface-level, process changes to be explored in the aftermath of FFE – fundamental governance reform is essential to restore clear constitutional boundaries within Fifa, including confidence that individual disciplinary matters remain demonstrably insulated from political interference.”

That is known to be a reference to the cancelled suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup after US President Donald Trump called Infantino asking for the striker’s ban to be reviewed.

“Fifa’s governance problem goes far beyond the role of one individual,” the leagues added.

“The wider question is whether Fifa’s president should simultaneously wield such regulatory, commercial and political power without effective checks and balances, including the agreement of affected stakeholders… governance that concentrates unchecked regulatory, commercial and political power in a single office, while relegating affected stakeholders to mere advisory status, is not fit for purpose.”

Fifa has been approached for comment.

Southend United boss Kieron Dyer says the anniversary of his life-saving liver transplant inspired an “emotional” pre-match team talk at the weekend.

The former England midfielder, who played for Ipswich Town and Newcastle United, had the operation in 2023 after being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 2019.

Dyer, 47, said he addressed the Shrimpers’ players and staff before their thumping 6-1 win at Gateshead which saw them go second in the National League.

“I said [to the players] that I don’t want to put extra pressure on you, but I need the win – they executed that perfectly,” Dyer told BBC Essex.

“I always speak to [his organ donor] at night before going to bed, so I said ‘that one’s for you’.”

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is characterised by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts and caused Dyer’s eyes and skin to turn yellow.

“For me to be alive, someone’s had to have their life taken away,” Dyer added.

“I know some of his life. I know his name, I know he had a wife because his sister wrote a really powerful letter to me.

“I’m always grateful because not many people get second chances at life. I was on my death bed. I probably only had a few weeks myself to live.

“It [the anniversary] is always an emotional day. We do huddles in the changing room before games and I pick different members of staff to lead them… I thought Saturday’s was a good one for me to do.”

Dyer won 33 caps for England and also had spells with West Ham, QPR and Middlesbrough.

He was appointed as Southend boss in June, and has taken the Shrimpers to two points off the top of the National League after nine games.

“It [receiving an organ donation] was the most humbling thing and gives you a completely different perspective on life. You can’t take any day for granted.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to go through that but it does broaden your horizons when you think about life and how you have to cherish every moment.”