Tebas Calls For Infantino’s Resignation After Spain’s World Cup Triumph
LaLiga President, Javier Tebas has called for the resignation of FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The tournament ended on Sunday at the MetLife Stadium in New York, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to win their second World Cup title.
Tebas, in a scathing assessment of the tournament’s organization, accused FIFA of prioritizing commercial interests over football.
Speaking via Tribal Football, the LaLiga chief faulted the introduction of extended hydration breaks and the musical performance staged during the final.
He also cited the controversy surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun as an example of poor leadership under Infantino.
“FIFA organizes events according to their own interests, rather than for the benefit of football. If they require a 27-minute break, they simply create one,” Tebas said.
“Hydration breaks are absurd. We have them in LaLiga, but only under extreme heat conditions. The stadiums in Dallas, LA, and Atlanta were air-conditioned; I even had to wear a sweater in the stands! It was ridiculous, all for a commercial interruption. Additionally, there was the Balogun situation.”
According to Tebas, FIFA was fortunate that Belgium eliminated the United States, which helped to suppress what could have become a major scandal.
“They were fortunate that Belgium eliminated the USA, as otherwise, a scandal could have arisen that might have cost Infantino his position. With Belgium’s victory, they managed to suppress the issue. However, this is merely the tip of the iceberg. Infantino should resign; his time has come,” he added.
Tebas further alleged that Infantino has remained in office due to lack of opposition within the system.
“Yet, he enjoys the backing of the establishment and national federations. There is no opposing candidate; no one is willing to run for a position they are likely to lose. The system is fundamentally flawed. In the USA, I have heard many voices criticizing Infantino and opposing his actions,” he stated.
Infantino and FIFA came under intense scrutiny throughout the tournament over changes to the competition’s traditional format, a development that reportedly prompted UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin, to boycott the final in New York.
A major talking point during the tournament was the alleged involvement of the US government in the Folarin Balogun case. US President Donald Trump was reported to have disclosed that he urged Infantino to review the decision after the striker received a red card, which led to the suspension of his ban upon review.
