Javier Tebas calls for Gianni Infantino's resignation, slams FIFA expansion plans

Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga, has publicly called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign, accusing him of "destroying the football industry" by expanding international competitions at the expense of domestic leagues. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tebas criticized proposals to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, the extended halftime in the final (27 minutes), and what he called "fake" hydration breaks used for advertising. Source: clarin, excelsiormx

The allegations

• Tebas argued that expanding the World Cup "makes no sense" and that national leagues, not the World Cup, sustain the sport. Source: eldiado, elcolombiano
• He described FIFA's governance as a "sick system from its roots," noting that Infantino faces no opposition for reelection because "nobody wants to present themselves just to lose." Source: lavanguardia, lavozar
• Tebas also cited the controversial overturning of a red card for US striker Folarin Balogun after intervention from President Donald Trump, calling it "an extremely serious matter." Source: infobae, emolcl

Broader criticism

Former FIFA president Joseph Blatter echoed some of Tebas's concerns, stating that the World Cup "had lost its credibility" and calling for "new leadership." Blatter specifically criticized the Balogun case and the elongated halftime. Source: elcolombiano

What's next

Despite the criticism, Infantino has broad support: over 200 of FIFA's 211 member associations reportedly back his fourth term. The election is set for March 18, 2027, in Morocco, with no declared opponent. Source: clarin, elmundoes