Tebas Calls for Infantino’s Resignation from FIFA

Javier Tebas demands Gianni Infantino resign as FIFA president, citing damage to football by elite interests and calling for a governance overhaul.

La Liga president Javier Tebas has intensified his long-standing conflict with FIFA, boldly declaring that Gianni Infantino’s leadership should end immediately. Tebas asserts that the current FIFA regime is fundamentally damaging football by prioritizing elite interests at the expense of national leagues.

In a recent interview with “Le Monde”, Tebas did not hold back his criticism of Infantino’s presidency, arguing that it has reached a critical juncture. His remarks come on the heels of FIFA’s abandonment of a controversial initiative known as “FIFA Forward Enterprise,” which sought to create a commercial entity inviting external private investors.

Tebas claimed that this failed endeavor exemplifies a deeper, systemic dysfunction within FIFA. “For me, Gianni Infantino’s time has long since passed,” he stated, emphasizing that he has noticed a detrimental managerial style for some time, even if others are just beginning to recognize it.

The La Liga chief believes that Infantino’s vision for the global game directly undermines the survival of domestic competitions. “Infantino is not someone who contributes to the growth of football,” he elaborated. “On the contrary, his projects are destroying the very essence of football: the national leagues.” He further argued that, “Football is not limited to the elite. For me, the Infantino era is over.”

Tebas hopes for more than just a superficial change in leadership; he advocates for a genuine overhaul to prevent a mere swapping of faces. He cautioned that the challenges facing football are not solely about one individual, implying that the culture within FIFA must also change to prevent from repeating past mistakes.

“What is happening does not surprise me,” he remarked, expressing frustration at the silence of others who have long been aware of these issues. “The problem is not limited to one person; it is about an entire system. The old system can persist even when the people change. Let’s hope things truly change, that a new leader arrives, and that new governance is established at FIFA.”

At present, Infantino faces perhaps the most challenging moment of his presidency, with rising opposition from influential factions throughout Europe. Beyond Tebas, the Norwegian FA has also openly called for his resignation, and several other European football associations have reportedly withdrawn their support for his candidacy in the upcoming term.

Despite the strong domestic pressure, Infantino maintains significant backing from regions like Argentina and Mexico. However, the threat posed by a potential UEFA-led boycott of FIFA tournaments could trigger a historic schism within the sport.