Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, has publicly accused Fifa of “destroying the football industry” and has called for the resignation of its president, Gianni Infantino. His remarks come as discussions continue around the upcoming 2026 World Cup and the potential expansion of the 2030 tournament from 48 to 64 teams.
In an interview with an Italian publication, Tebas stated, “Increasing the number of national teams makes no sense,”
He emphasized the detrimental impact of such decisions, asserting, “The football industry is not just the World Cup, which is the most important event. But not everything can revolve around the World Cup. It is national competitions that support this sport. “They are destroying the football industry, which generates tens of thousands of jobs, for an event that lasts 40 days and involves a minority of players. We need fewer national teams and more protection for national football, at all levels. They don’t realise, they are making irresponsible decisions.”
When asked if Infantino should step down, Tebas replied, “In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up. However, he has the support of the system, of the federations, so there’s not much more to add, is there? “There’s no opposition candidate, nobody wants to stand just to lose. This is the system, and it’s a system rotten at its core. These past few days here in America I’ve heard many people who are against Infantino, who disagree with what he does. They say it, but then they do nothing. “I don’t know if silence or complicity is worse, because those who are silent are perfectly aware of the damage that football is suffering.”
He lamented the lack of opposition to Infantino, noting, “based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts”
Tebas expressed concern over the silence surrounding Infantino’s actions, stating, “The suspension of the American player’s ban was absolutely serious; they were lucky that Belgium eliminated the USA, because otherwise, a case could have arisen that might have cost Infantino his job. Since Belgium won, they managed to bury the matter. But these things are just the tip of the iceberg. “Fifa arranges things as it wants, for what it wants, for its own interests, certainly not for football. So, if they need a 27-minute half-time break, they’ll have it. Hydration breaks are a lie. “We have them in La Liga, but when it’s genuinely hot. Here, the pitches in Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta had air conditioning; I had to put on a jumper in the stands. It was a lie, a break for advertising.”
Infantino, who has faced criticism throughout his decade-long tenure as Fifa president, is expected to pursue a fourth term in the March 2027 congress. Tebas suggested that Infantino’s downfall may have been imminent had the USA defeated Belgium in their World Cup knockout match.
The controversy surrounding the USA striker Folarin Balogun’s temporary suspension was highlighted by Tebas, who remarked, “The suspension of the American player’s ban was absolutely serious; they were lucky that Belgium eliminated the USA, because otherwise, a case could have arisen that might have cost Infantino his job. Since Belgium won, they managed to bury the matter. But these things are just the tip of the iceberg.”
He criticized Fifa’s decision-making, asserting, “Fifa arranges things as it wants, for what it wants, for its own interests, certainly not for football. So, if they need a 27-minute half-time break, they’ll have it. Hydration breaks are a lie.”
Tebas concluded, “We have them in La Liga, but when it’s genuinely hot. Here, the pitches in Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta had air conditioning; I had to put on a jumper in the stands. It was a lie, a break for advertising.”
Fifa has been contacted for a response to these allegations.
