La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to step down, stating his 'time is up' with the global football governing body. Tebas claims FIFA is 'destroying the football industry' through its recent decisions and future plans. This strong condemnation comes amidst growing concerns about the direction of international football.
Tebas specifically criticised several actions and proposals by FIFA. He highlighted the controversial postponement of a suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun, which he suggested could have cost Infantino his job if the US team had advanced further in the 2026 World Cup. Tebas also expressed dismay over mandatory three-minute hydration breaks during the World Cup, regardless of actual weather conditions, and the extended 27-minute 22-second half-time interval during the final. These decisions, he argued, serve FIFA's commercial interests rather than player welfare or the integrity of the game.
This critique from a prominent European football figure underscores a broader tension between national leagues and FIFA over control and revenue in the sport. European football's governing body, UEFA, previously criticised FIFA's decision regarding Balogun's suspension as 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable'. This disagreement led UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin to boycott the World Cup final, signalling a significant rift. The ongoing debate about expanding international tournaments, such as a potential 64-team World Cup, further exacerbates these tensions, as it directly impacts the scheduling and financial viability of domestic leagues.
In an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tebas stated, 'In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up' when asked about Infantino's tenure. He further asserted that FIFA's election system is 'rotten at its core', allowing Infantino to secure re-election without genuine opposition. Tebas noted that while many people privately disagree with Infantino's actions, a lack of viable opposition candidates means he is likely to be re-elected for a fourth term in March.
The implications of these criticisms are significant for the future governance of global football. Should FIFA continue to pursue policies that alienate major national leagues and confederations, it could lead to further fragmentation within the sport. Decision-makers in national federations and club associations will closely watch how FIFA responds to these concerns, particularly regarding the proposed expansion of the World Cup and other international competitions. The financial impact on domestic leagues, which generate tens of thousands of jobs, remains a central point of contention, as they fear being overshadowed and undermined by an overemphasis on FIFA's flagship events.