Back to News
WM 2026July 23, 2026

Javier Tebas calls on Gianni Infantino to resign

La Liga President Javier Tebas has called for the resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and sharply criticized his policies.

Javier Tebas calls on Gianni Infantino to resign

Javier Tebas calls for Gianni Infantino's resignation

According to Bbc.

Background

Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, has established himself as a critical voice in football, particularly when it comes to FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino. His comments could influence public perception of Infantino and potentially put pressure on him, especially if other associations agree with Tebas' opinion. The debate about the future of football and the role of FIFA is further fueled by such conflicts.

Why this is important

Javier Tebas' call for Gianni Infantino's resignation could have far-reaching implications for FIFA and global football politics. Tebas' criticism of Infantino and FIFA's policies reflects the dissatisfaction of many in the football community who fear the game's integrity is at risk. In particular, the discussion about the 2026 World Cup and the possible introduction of a 64-team tournament shows that fundamental changes are necessary in international football.

Key findings

  • Javier Tebas calls for Gianni Infantino to resign.
  • The President of La Liga, Javier Tebas, has called for the resignation of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and sharply criticized his policies.
  • Gianni Infantino: La Liga's Javier Tebas says it is Fifa president's 'time to go' - BBC Sport.
Image The president of the Spanish league, La Liga, Javier Tebas, has called on the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, to resign. Tebas claims FIFA is destroying the football industry. In an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Spanish league president also criticized the drinking breaks during the World Cup, the long half-time break in the final, the postponement of a ban for US striker Folarin Balogun and the possible introduction of a 64-team tournament in the future. Asked whether Infantino should resign, Tebas replied: "In my opinion yes, I think his time is up." However, he added that Infantino enjoyed the support of national associations and described FIFA's electoral system as "fundamentally rotten". “There is no opposition candidate, no one wants to run only to lose,” said Tebas. "He shouldn't stay, but the current state means he won't leave." The Spanish league president was in the US to watch the 2026 World Cup final, in which Spain faced Brazil. "In the last few days here in America I have heard from many who are against Infantino and do not agree with what he is doing," Tebas said. "They say it but they do nothing. I don't know what is worse, the silence or the complicity, because those who remain silent are well aware of the damage that football is suffering." Tebas is convinced that Infa ntino would not have been able to hold its own if the matter of Balogun's ban was still current. If the USA progressed in the World Cup round of 16 against Belgium, Balogun would have been banned from the game as a ban had been imposed on him, which, however, did not come into force for the time being due to pressure from US President Donald Trump. "The fact that the matter of banning the American player did not violate FIFA is very strange. If Belgium had not won and the USA had progressed, that would have been a case that could have cost Infantino his job," said Tebas. "It's strange that the matter has now disappeared into the dark." UEFA also issued a statement on the matter, calling the decision "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustified." Infantino had hinted at the possibility of a 64-nation tournament during the 2026 World Cup, but Tebas believes such a move would only benefit FIFA. "It's not just about the World Cup. The football industry is also the national leagues," said Tebas. "The national leagues ensure that football runs. You can't put an event that lasts 40 days and in which only a minority of players take part over everything. There must be fewer international matches and more protection for football at national level." FIFA had mandatory regulations for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada Drinking breaks of three minutes introduced for all games, regardless of weather conditions. FIFA justified this with the protection of players, but critics pointed out that this was a measure to get more advertising time on television. The half-time break in the World Cup final was also extended to 27 minutes to make room for performances by world stars such as Madonna and Shakira. “FIFA does what it wants with football,” said Tebas. "If they want a 27-minute half-time break, then they have it. Drinking breaks are a lie, we have them in La Liga, but only when it's really hot. Here in the US that wasn't the case, the pitches had air conditioning and I had to put on a jacket while sitting in the stadium. So it wasn't a real drinking break, it was a promotional drinking break." Tebas also expressed criticism of FIFA's time management at the 2026 World Cup. "FIFA is not interested in football, it often acts to the detriment of football. And you can see that in many decisions." BBC Sport has contacted FIFA for comment.

What happens next

It remains to be seen whether Tebas' public criticism of Infantino will lead to a wider outcry within the football community. However, support from national associations for Infantino could consolidate his position, despite growing discontent. The coming months could be crucial, especially with a view to the 2026 World Cup, where discussions about the structure and organization of the tournament will continue to intensify.

Frequently asked questions

What did Javier Tebas say about Gianni Infantino?

Javier Tebas has called on Gianni Infantino to resign because he believes FIFA is destroying the football industry.

Who called for Gianni Infantino's resignation?

The president of the Spanish league, Javier Tebas, has called for the resignation of Gianni Infantino.

Why is Tebas calling for Infantino's resignation now?

Tebas says that Infantino enjoys the support of the national associations, but he believes his time as president is up.

Which changes did Tebas criticize during the interview?

Tebas criticized the drinking breaks during the World Cup, the long half-time break in the final and the possible introduction of a 64-team tournament.

What does Tebas think about the support for Infantino?

Tebas believes that many are against Infantino, but no one is willing to take action or nominate an opposition candidate.

Related articles

Häufig gestellte Fragen

What did Javier Tebas say about Gianni Infantino?
Javier Tebas has called on Gianni Infantino to resign because he believes FIFA is destroying the football industry.
Who called for Gianni Infantino's resignation?
The president of the Spanish league, Javier Tebas, has called for the resignation of Gianni Infantino.
Why is Tebas calling for Infantino's resignation now?
Tebas says Infantino enjoys the support of the national federations, but he believes his time as president is up.
What changes did Tebas criticize during the interview?
Tebas criticized the drinking breaks during the World Cup, the long half-time break in the final and the possible introduction of a 64-team tournament.
What does Tebas think about the support for Infantino?
Tebas believes that many are against Infantino, but no one is willing to take action or nominate an opposition candidate.
What happened in this story?
Javier Tebas calls for Gianni Infantino's resignation summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.
Javier Tebas calls for Gianni Infantino's resignation: | MannschaftGoal