La Liga president Javier Tebas has declared Gianni Infantino’s presidency untenable, stating that the FIFA leader is destroying the essence of football through elite-focused projects. According to an interview with Le Monde published following a secret World Cup stake-sale scandal, European football officials are coordinating an attempt to unseat the 56-year-old Swiss administrator ahead of elections next March.
Javier Tebas Demands FIFA Overhaul as Opposition Grows
La Liga president Javier Tebas has renewed his call for Gianni Infantino to resign, stating that the FIFA president’s management style damages national leagues. According to his interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, Tebas argued that Infantino’s projects focus too heavily on an elite tier at the expense of broader football growth. Tebas asserted that the Infantino era is over, calling for a genuine institutional overhaul rather than a simple rotation of personnel.
Did you know? Javier Tebas made his initial calls for Infantino’s resignation immediately following the World Cup, predating the recent controversy surrounding secret plans to sell a stake in the tournament to private investors.
UEFA Boycott Threats and FIFA’s Defense
UEFA has maintained intense pressure on FIFA, raising the prospect of a complete boycott across all FIFA tournaments. According to UEFA officials, Infantino’s continued leadership remains completely untenable. This stance follows reports from The Daily Telegraph on Friday night regarding a six-figure “departure payment” made to a female employee allegedly involved in a past relationship with Infantino during his tenure as FIFA general secretary more than a decade ago. FIFA dismissed these allegations as categorically untrue.
In response to the mounting pressure, FIFA published a statement on Saturday night. According to FIFA’s official release, critics are attempting to oust the president improperly before the presidential election scheduled for next March, urging opponents to rely on established democratic processes rather than allegations and misinformation.
Global Divisions and International Support
While European associations ramp up their opposition—notably with the Norwegian FA calling for Infantino to stand down and several European bodies withdrawing endorsement letters—support remains firm in other regions. According to reports, Infantino retains backing from prominent non-European nations, including World Cup co-host Mexico and finalists Argentina. Meanwhile, UEFA confirmed on Saturday that the proposed boycott of FIFA events remains a genuine prospect, with the upcoming women’s Under-20 World Cup set to begin in Poland on September 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Javier Tebas calling for Gianni Infantino to resign?
Javier Tebas argues that Gianni Infantino’s management projects prioritize an exclusive elite while actively harming national leagues and the foundational essence of global football.
What sparked the latest wave of criticism against FIFA leadership?
Criticism intensified following Infantino’s determination to remain in office despite quashed plans to sell a World Cup stake to private investors, alongside recent reports regarding historical financial settlements.
Which organizations support or oppose Gianni Infantino?
UEFA, the Norwegian FA, and several European associations are leading efforts to unseat Infantino, while federations from nations like Mexico and Argentina continue to back his presidency.
When is the next FIFA presidential election?
The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled to take place next March.
Join the Conversation
What do you think about the growing divide between UEFA and FIFA leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments below or explore our latest football coverage for ongoing updates.