La Liga president Javier Tebas calls for Gianni Infantino to step down from Fifa presidency
La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for Fifa president Gianni Infantino to resign, stating that the world governing body is “destroying the football industry.” Tebas expressed his view that Infantino’s “time is up” during an interview with an Italian sports daily.
Tebas, who was in the United States for the 2026 World Cup, voiced concerns about several Fifa decisions. These include the implementation of hydration breaks during the tournament, the extended half-time interval in the final, and the postponement of a suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun. He also criticised the potential for a 64-team summer tournament in the future.
Despite his call for Infantino’s departure, Tebas acknowledged that the Fifa president has the backing of national federations. He described Fifa’s election system as “rotten at its core,” noting that there is no opposition candidate willing to stand against Infantino, who is expected to be re-elected for a fourth term at Fifa’s March congress.
Concerns over Fifa’s impact on football
Tebas highlighted that many individuals he encountered in America during the World Cup shared his opposition to Infantino’s actions. He questioned whether the silence or complicity of those who disagree with Fifa’s direction was worse, suggesting that those who remain silent are aware of the damage being inflicted upon football.
The La Liga chief believes that Infantino could have faced consequences due to his involvement in the case concerning Folarin Balogun. The 25-year-old US player avoided a suspension for his side’s last-16 match against Belgium following an intervention from US President Donald Trump. Tebas stated that the suspension of the American player’s ban was a serious matter, and had Belgium not eliminated the USA, a situation might have arisen that could have cost Infantino his position.
Uefa, European football’s governing body, had previously criticised Fifa’s decision regarding Balogun, labelling it “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.” This decision was a factor in Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin not attending the World Cup final.
Infantino had also discussed the possibility of expanding the global tournament to 64 teams during this year’s event. However, Tebas argued that “not everything can revolve around the World Cup,” emphasizing that increasing the number of national teams makes no sense. He stressed that the football industry is sustained by national competitions, which generate numerous jobs, rather than an event that lasts 40 days and involves a minority of players.
Tebas advocated for fewer international matches and greater protection for national football at all levels, asserting that Fifa’s decisions are often irresponsible and detrimental to the sport. He stated that Fifa acts according to its own interests, without considering the broader football landscape.
Criticism of World Cup decisions
Fifa introduced mandatory three-minute hydration breaks for all World Cup matches played in stadiums across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, regardless of the conditions. While Fifa cited player welfare as the reason, critics suggested these breaks were used by broadcasters for commercials. Tebas called these hydration breaks a “lie,” noting that La Liga only implements them when it is genuinely hot.
He pointed out that pitches in cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta had air conditioning, making the mandatory breaks unnecessary. Tebas viewed this as further proof that Fifa operates based on its own interests, often to the detriment of football.
The World Cup final’s half-time show featured performances from artists such as Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, which extended the usual 15-minute half-time break. Tebas commented that Fifa arranges things as it pleases, for its own interests, not for football, implying that if a longer half-time break is desired, it will be implemented.
Tebas reiterated his concern that Fifa’s actions are harming the sport, stating that the organization makes decisions without considering the rest of football. He believes that the current state of affairs means Infantino will not leave, despite his view that his time is over.
The La Liga president’s criticisms were published in an Italian sports daily on Tuesday.
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Source: bbc.com
