La Liga President Javier Tebas has launched a scathing critique of FIFA’s proposal to expand the World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 edition, accusing the governing body of acting irresponsibly.
Speaking to the press, Tebas declared that FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s tenure has run its course, saying the current election system that sustains his leadership is fundamentally flawed.
He warned that a tournament of such scale would destabilise the football industry, which supports tens of thousands of jobs worldwide, and argued that the health of domestic leagues must remain the cornerstone of the sport.
The 2030 World Cup is slated to be co‑hosted by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina, a plan that Tebas says ignores the disruptive impact on national competitions.
When approached by Al Jazeera for comment, FIFA has yet to respond to Tebas’ accusations, leaving the dispute unresolved.
A contested vision for football’s future
Tebas’ remarks come at a time when global football bodies are debating the sport’s commercial trajectory, with the 2030 edition promising to be the most expansive tournament yet.
Critics argue that adding more teams dilutes the prestige of the competition, while proponents claim it broadens participation and revenue streams. Tebas, however, insists that the financial benefits will not trickle down to the grassroots level without safeguarding domestic structures.
The debate underscores a broader tension between global expansion and the preservation of traditional league ecosystems that have long been the lifeblood of the sport.
As the 2030 World Cup approaches, the clash between FIFA’s vision and the concerns of league officials like Tebas will likely shape the future format of international football.