La Liga president Javier Tebas has publicly called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resign, citing concerns over the "destruction" of the football industry due to the expansion of international competitions. Tebas specifically criticized the potential increase of the 2030 men's World Cup from 48 to 64 teams, arguing that such an expansion is nonsensical and detracts from the importance of national competitions that sustain the sport.
"Increasing the number of national teams makes no sense," Tebas told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "The football industry isn’t just the World Cup, which is the most important event. But not everything can revolve around the World Cup."
Tebas expressed doubt that Infantino would step down, noting his "support of the system and the federations." He suggested that the lack of opposition candidates willing to challenge Infantino indicates a "rotten" system. Tebas also lamented the silence of those who disagree with Infantino's leadership, stating, "I don’t know what’s worse, the silence or the complicity, because those who stay silent are perfectly aware of the damage football is suffering."
The 2030 World Cup is already slated to be an expansive event, with six host nations across three continents. CONMEBOL, South America's soccer governing body, has officially proposed the expansion to 64 teams.
Tebas also took aim at FIFA's handling of recent tournaments, including the new hydration breaks implemented during the World Cup to combat heat in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He called these breaks a "lie" and a "break for advertising," suggesting they disrupted the game's flow and were unnecessary given air-conditioned pitches in some venues.
Infantino, who announced his bid for a fourth term as FIFA president in April, is scheduled for re-election for the 2027–2031 period on March 18 in Morocco. The Football Supporters Europe (FSE) group has also urged the soccer community to hold FIFA accountable, demanding governance reforms and greater consultation with clubs, leagues, players, and supporters. In a statement, FSE criticized the 2026 World Cup for prioritizing "spectacle and commercialisation over the match-going experience" and accused Infantino of prioritizing "financial and political interests ahead of the future of our game."