La Liga Chief Accuses FIFA of Destroying Football Industry

Javier Tebas, the president of the Spanish football league La Liga, accused FIFA of acting "irresponsibly" after FIFA announced discussions concerning a potential expansion to 64 teams for the World Cup in 2030. This statement was made during an interview with the Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

Tebas criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that his time was "over" and describing the system that allowed him to lead football's global governing body for a decade as "fundamentally flawed." He emphasized that "the football industry is not just about the World Cup, however important it may be," asserting that FIFA is damaging an industry that generates tens of thousands of jobs for an event lasting only 40 days and featuring a minority of players.

Infantino had mentioned during the World Cup opening ceremony in June that there were discussions about potentially expanding the tournament to 64 teams for its centenary in 2030. The event will primarily be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina also hosting some matches.

Tebas reiterated La Liga's concerns regarding the competition calendar, voicing disapproval over FIFA's willingness to organize a 64-team World Cup. He stressed that it is the domestic leagues that keep football alive, insisting on the need for fewer national teams and better protection for domestic football at all levels. He remarked that FIFA's decisions were made irresponsibly, devoid of recognition for the broader implications on national leagues.