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.” These comments were made during an interview with an Italian newspaper, where Tebas also criticised several decisions made by Fifa.
Among the criticisms, Tebas highlighted the mandatory hydration breaks implemented 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 expressed concerns about the future possibility of a 64-team summer tournament, arguing that such an expansion would be detrimental to the sport.
Concerns over Fifa’s governance
Tebas stated that while he believes Infantino should leave, the current system makes his departure unlikely. He noted that Infantino reportedly has the support of national federations, and that the Fifa election system is “rotten at its core.” According to Tebas, there is no opposition candidate willing to challenge Infantino, as nobody wants to stand “just to lose.”
During his time in the United States for the 2026 World Cup, which Spain won, Tebas mentioned hearing many individuals express disagreement with Infantino’s actions. He questioned whether the silence or complicity of these individuals was worse, suggesting that those who remain silent are aware of the damage being inflicted upon football.
Infantino is anticipated to secure a fourth term at Fifa‘s March congress. However, Tebas suggested that Infantino’s involvement in the Balogun case could have potentially led to his removal. The 25-year-old US player avoided a suspension for his team’s last-16 match against Belgium following an intervention from US President Donald Trump.
Tebas commented on the seriousness of the suspension’s postponement, stating that Fifa was fortunate Belgium eliminated the USA. He believes that had the USA progressed, a case might have emerged that could have cost Infantino his job. He described such incidents as merely the “tip of the iceberg.”
Uefa, European football’s governing body, had previously criticised Fifa‘s decision regarding Balogun, calling it “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.” This decision was cited as a reason for Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin‘s absence from the World Cup final.
Impact on the football industry
Tebas strongly criticised the idea of a 64-team global tournament, a possibility Infantino raised during this year’s event. Tebas argued that “not everything can revolve around the World Cup,” emphasising the importance of national competitions in sustaining the sport. He believes that increasing the number of national teams makes no sense and that Fifa is “destroying the football industry.”
He pointed out that the industry generates tens of thousands of jobs, while the World Cup is an event that lasts only 40 days and involves a minority of players. While acknowledging the presence of top players in the World Cup, Tebas stressed that these players also feature in national leagues. He advocated for fewer international matches and greater protection for national football at all levels, accusing Fifa of making “irresponsible decisions.”
The mandatory three-minute hydration breaks introduced by Fifa for all World Cup matches in stadiums across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, regardless of conditions, also drew criticism. While Fifa stated these breaks were for player welfare, critics suggest they were used by broadcasters for commercial purposes.
Tebas dismissed the hydration breaks as a “lie,” noting that La Liga implements them only when it is genuinely hot. He highlighted that pitches in cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta had air conditioning, making the breaks unnecessary for player welfare and suggesting they were instead for advertising. He concluded that this demonstrates Fifa‘s tendency to act in its own interests without considering the broader football community, often to the detriment of the sport.
The World Cup final’s half-time show featured pop music acts such as Madonna, BTS, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, extending the usual 15-minute half-time break to 27 minutes 22 seconds.
Tebas reiterated that Fifa arranges things as it pleases, for its own interests, not for football. He stated that if they need a 27-minute half-time break, they will have it. He also reflected on the success of Spanish football, attributing it to a community effort involving clubs, academies, and the sustainability of their system. He noted that La Liga has maintained strict salary caps since 2013, encouraging youth development and bringing academy players into first teams. Spain recently won the Under-19 European Championship and has achieved success in other age groups, demonstrating a strong foundation in grassroots development.
BBC Sport has contacted Fifa for comment regarding these statements.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”