Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, has called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign. However, he believes that due to the lack of viable opposition and a fundamentally flawed electoral system, Infantino is likely to remain in his position. Despite facing various controversies, Infantino appears poised to secure a fourth term, bolstered by substantial backing from international football organizations, as reported by the Guardian.
According to the Guardian, over 200 of FIFA’s 211 member associations have expressed their support for Infantino’s re-election, with only a few countries yet to submit their endorsements. Germany stands out as the most significant dissenting European federation, although the majority of the continent has already pledged its support.
Tebas shared his views during an interview with the Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, stating, “There is no candidate opposing him, as no one wishes to run just to face certain defeat. He ought to step down, but the current circumstances ensure he will not.” He further noted, “During my recent visit to the United States, I encountered numerous individuals who oppose Infantino and his actions. While they express their discontent, they fail to take any action. I find it difficult to determine what is more troubling: the silence or the complicity, as those who remain quiet are acutely aware of the harm being inflicted on football.”
Recently, Infantino indicated that FIFA aims to expand the World Cup to 64 teams by the 2030 edition. He asserted that the tournament should represent “the whole world,” although he acknowledged that discussing this change at present may be premature.
Tebas criticized this proposal, emphasizing that the football ecosystem extends beyond the World Cup. “Increasing the number of national teams serves no purpose. Football is not solely defined by the World Cup. It is the domestic competitions that sustain the sport. They are undermining the football industry, which supports tens of thousands of jobs, for an event lasting just 40 days and involving a small fraction of players,” he remarked.
He added, “While the best players participate in the World Cup, they also play in our leagues. We require fewer international fixtures and greater protection for national football at all levels. They appear oblivious to the irresponsible nature of their decisions.”
