LaLiga president declares firmly: 'The Infantino era is over'

LaLiga president Javier Tebas launches harsh criticism against Gianni Infantino, stating that the FIFA chief's time is over and world football needs a real reform.

Speaking in an interview with Le Monde, Mr. Tebas said that the recent controversies surrounding FIFA did not surprise him. What surprised the La Liga chief more was that many figures in the football world who had been silent for years are only now starting to speak out.

According to him, the current issues are just the "tip of the iceberg" in how FIFA operates. Chairman Tebas believes that the problem is not just about Infantino personally but also involves a governance system that has existed for a long time.

"The problem is not limited to one person. It involves a whole system. The old system can still continue to exist even when people change.", the LaLiga chief emphasized.

Mr. Tebas expressed hope that FIFA in the future will not simply replace its leadership but must carry out a deep reform of its governance.

When asked directly about Infantino, the Spanish football leader did not shy away.

"For me, the time of Gianni Infantino is over. I am not saying this because of recent events. I have seen this management style for a long time, even though people seem to be just starting to realize it.", Chairman Tebas declared.

The LaLiga president cites the Club World Cup as one example of the management he disagrees with. According to Mr. Tebas, FIFA has made many important decisions regarding the organization and commercialization of the tournament without adequately consulting the directly affected parties, especially the domestic leagues.

Mr. Tebas also recalled the European Super League story, while questioning the relationship between FIFA and those previously involved in this controversial project.

Notably, the LaLiga chief believes that FIFA's policy of expanding tournaments and increasing commercial power is negatively impacting the system of domestic leagues.

"Gianni Infantino is not a contributor to the development of football. On the contrary, his projects are destroying the essence of this sport, which is the national leagues. Football is not just for the elite. For me, the Infantino era is over."", Mr. Tebas criticized.

These statements come at a time when Mr. Infantino is facing much criticism after the plan to seek external investment for commercial assets related to the World Cup and Club World Cup.

This proposal faced strong opposition from many parties, with UEFA reportedly warning of possible tough reactions if the plan were implemented. FIFA later withdrew this option.

However, Mr. Infantino still has no intention of leaving the FIFA presidency, while the world football organization insists their leader still receives support. Nevertheless, pressure is mounting as some football associations have publicly withdrawn their support for Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for next March.

"What remains to be seen is when the change will happen and what the succession process will be like. I hope this is not simply replacing a few people with others, but a real reform.", the La Liga president concluded.