Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, has asserted that Fifa president Gianni Infantino should step down from his position. Tebas claims that the global governing body is “destroying the football industry” and that Infantino’s “time is up.” He made these remarks during an interview, expressing strong criticism of several Fifa decisions and practices.
Tebas’s criticisms include the implementation of hydration breaks during the recent World Cup, the extended half-time interval in the final match, and the postponement of a suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun. He also voiced concerns about the potential for a 64-team summer tournament in the future, arguing against the expansion of the World Cup format.
Concerns over Fifa’s governance
During his time in the United States, where he witnessed Spain win the 2026 World Cup, Tebas stated that he encountered many individuals who oppose Infantino’s actions. He noted that while these individuals express their disagreement, they often fail to take any action. Tebas questioned whether the silence or complicity of those aware of the damage to football is worse.
Despite his call for Infantino’s resignation, Tebas acknowledged that the Fifa president maintains the support of national federations. He described Fifa‘s election system as “rotten at its core,” highlighting the absence of opposition candidates. Tebas suggested that no one is willing to stand for election merely to lose, implying that the current system makes it difficult to challenge the incumbent.
Infantino is anticipated to secure a fourth term at Fifa‘s congress in March. However, Tebas believes that Infantino’s involvement in the case surrounding Folarin Balogun could have jeopardised his position. 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. He suggested that Fifa was fortunate that Belgium eliminated the USA, as a different outcome could have led to a situation that might have cost Infantino his job. Tebas referred to such incidents as merely the “tip of the iceberg.”
Uefa, European football’s governing body, previously criticised Fifa‘s decision regarding Balogun, calling it “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.” This decision was a contributing factor to Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin‘s absence from the World Cup final.
Impact on the football industry
Tebas also criticised Fifa‘s approach to the World Cup, particularly the suggestion of a 64-team global tournament. He argued that “not everything can revolve around the World Cup” and that increasing the number of national teams “makes no sense.” According to Tebas, the football industry is sustained by national competitions, which generate numerous jobs.
He contended that Fifa‘s focus on a World Cup event, lasting approximately 40 days and involving a minority of players, is detrimental to the broader football industry. Tebas emphasised the importance of protecting national football at all levels and called for fewer international matches. He believes that Fifa‘s decisions are “irresponsible” and do not consider the wider impact on the sport.
The mandatory three-minute hydration breaks introduced by Fifa for all World Cup matches played in stadiums across the United States, Mexico, and Canada also drew criticism. While Fifa stated these breaks were for player welfare, critics suggested they were used by broadcasters for commercial purposes. Tebas described these hydration breaks as a “lie,” noting that La Liga only implements them when temperatures genuinely warrant it. He pointed out that some venues, such as those in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, had air conditioning, further supporting his claim that the breaks were for advertising rather than player health.
The World Cup final’s half-time show, featuring artists such as Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, extended the usual 15-minute break to 27 minutes 22 seconds. Tebas asserted that Fifa arranges matters to suit its own interests, not those of football. He concluded that Fifa acts and decides as it pleases, often to the detriment of the sport, following only its own agenda.
Tebas’s return to Madrid from New York followed Spain‘s victory in the 2026 World Cup, a success he attributed to a community effort involving clubs, federal coaches, and the sustainability of the Spanish football system. He highlighted that La Liga has provided 17 of the 26 players called up for the national team, underscoring the strength of its academies and strict salary caps implemented since 2013.
Luis de la Fuente, the national team coach, joined the federation in 2013 and has been instrumental in developing young talent, leading the national team to victory with 10 players he had coached in the youth ranks. Spain has also recently won the Under-19 European Championship and achieved success in the Olympic medal and European Championship categories.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As News-GB.org's Sports Reporter, Eleanor Vance reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name on long-form athlete profiles. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Bath and completed an NCTJ diploma. Eleanor lives in Bath, where she swims competitively and follows British athletics. “A profile is only as good as the questions behind it.”