La Liga chief claims FIFA is ‘destroying football industry’

La Liga’s president, Javier Tebas, accused FIFA of “destroying the football industry” and called for its president, Gianni Infantino, to resign. Tebas made these comments as discussions regarding the 2026 World Cup wrapped up, alongside speculation that the 2030 tournament might expand its format from 48 to 64 teams. In an interview with the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tebas stated, “Increasing the number of national teams makes no sense. The football industry is not just the World Cup, which is the most important event. But not everything can revolve around the World Cup. It is national competitions that support this sport.

“They are destroying the football industry, which generates tens of thousands of jobs, for an event that lasts 40 days and involves a minority of players. We need fewer national teams and more protection for national football, at all levels. They don’t realize, they are making irresponsible decisions.”

When asked if Infantino should leave his position, Tebas replied, “In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up. However, he has the support of the system, of the federations, so there’s not much more to add, is there?

“There’s no opposition candidate, nobody wants to stand just to lose. This is the system, and it’s a system rotten at its core. These past few days here in America, I’ve heard many people who are against Infantino, disagreeing with his governance. They express their sentiments but then take no action.

“I don’t know if silence or complicity is worse, because those who are silent are perfectly aware of the damage that football is suffering.” Infantino, who has been a controversial figure during his decade-long presidency at FIFA, is expected to be re-elected for a fourth term at FIFA’s congress in March 2027. Tebas noted that Infantino might have faced repercussions from the Folarin Balogun incident if the USA had triumphed over Belgium in their knockout match.

The American striker’s one-match ban was lifted by FIFA’s disciplinary committee, permitting him to participate against Belgium following a phone call to Infantino from Donald Trump. Infantino claimed that the decision to revoke Balogun’s ban was made independently by the committee, “based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts.”

Tebas remarked, “The suspension of the American player’s ban was absolutely serious; they were lucky that Belgium eliminated the USA, because otherwise, a case could have emerged that might have cost Infantino his job. Since Belgium won, they managed to bury the matter. But these incidents are just the tip of the iceberg.”

He criticized FIFA for prioritizing its agenda over the sport itself, stating, “So, if they need a 27-minute half-time break, they’ll have it. Hydration breaks are a lie. We have them in La Liga, but when it’s genuinely hot. Here, the pitches in Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta had air conditioning; I had to put on a jumper in the stands. It was a lie, a break for advertising.”

FIFA has been approached for a response.