La Liga president Javier Tebas has intensified his criticism of world football’s governing body, accusing FIFA of jeopardising the sport’s domestic competitions.
In a series of statements, Tebas argued that expanding the number of teams at the World Cup is a reckless move that would dilute the importance of national leagues, and he called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign.
The Spanish executive also took aim at Infantino’s handling of the Folarin Balogun affair, alleging that a phone call from former U.S. president Donald Trump played a role in the American striker’s one‑match ban being lifted by FIFA’s disciplinary committee.
Tebas suggested that the Balogun controversy could have been enough to topple Infantino’s bid for a fourth term, especially if the United States had not edged Belgium in a recent World Cup last‑16 match.
A contested vision for football’s future
While Infantino prepares for a March 2027 congress where he is expected to seek re‑election, Tebas warned that FIFA’s alleged self‑interest could ultimately undermine the sport’s global credibility.
The dispute highlights a broader tension between club football’s domestic priorities and the ambitions of a global federation that, according to Tebas, is more focused on its own agenda than on preserving the integrity of the game.