Football
Football
La Liga President Calls for Infantino’s Departure, Citing Damage to Football Industry
Javier Tebas, president of Spain’s La Liga, has publicly called for Gianni Infantino to step down as president of the world governing football body, asserting that the organization is “destroying the football industry.” Tebas made these strong remarks in an interview with an Italian newspaper, criticizing several aspects of the current administration’s approach.
Tebas’s criticisms were wide-ranging, touching upon the extended half-time interval during the recent World Cup, the implementation of hydration breaks, and the postponement of a suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun. He also expressed significant concern over the potential expansion of a future summer tournament to include 64 teams, arguing that such a move would undermine national competitions, which he believes are the bedrock of the sport.
The head of the Spanish league believes Infantino’s tenure has run its course, though he acknowledges the current president enjoys the backing of national federations. Tebas described the election system as “rotten at its core,” noting the absence of opposition candidates willing to challenge the incumbent. He pointed out that many voices in the United States, where he recently witnessed his country’s 2026 World Cup victory, privately express disapproval of Infantino’s actions, yet fail to act.
Infantino, who has been president since 2016, is expected to secure re-election for a fourth term at the upcoming March congress. However, Tebas suggested that Infantino’s involvement in the case concerning Balogun could have potentially led to his removal.
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