MADRID — La Liga president Javier Tebas has launched a strong criticism of FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino, accusing the global football governing body of damaging the football industry and calling for leadership change at the top of the organisation.
Speaking about FIFA’s current leadership structure, Tebas argued that the lack of a genuine electoral challenge reflects a system that he described as unhealthy and lacking accountability.
“There is no opposition candidate, no one wants to present themselves to lose. This is the system, and it is a system that is sick at the source,” Tebas said.
The La Liga chief claimed that many figures within football privately disagree with Infantino’s decisions but remain unwilling to publicly challenge FIFA’s direction.
“I have heard many people against Infantino, who do not agree with what he does. They say it, but then they do nothing,” he added.
Tebas questioned whether silence among football officials is contributing to the problems facing the sport, arguing that those who remain quiet are aware of the challenges affecting football but choose not to act.
His comments come amid ongoing debates over FIFA’s expansion of international competitions, commercial strategy, and governance model. Critics have previously raised concerns about the increasing number of matches, financial priorities, and the influence of major football organisations.
FIFA and Infantino’s supporters, however, argue that recent reforms have increased global investment in football, expanded opportunities for national teams, and improved development programmes worldwide.
The public clash highlights growing tensions between FIFA leadership and some European football figures over the future direction of the sport, as football continues to balance commercial growth, player welfare, and competitive fairness.
