Tebas Demands FIFA President Resign Over World Cup Plans

La Liga Chief Calls for Infantino’s Ouster

Javier Tebas, president of Spain’s top professional league La Liga, lashed out at FIFA’s push for a 64‑team World Cup during a recent interview with Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport. He labeled the expansion a threat to national football, arguing that “we need fewer national teams and more protection for national football, at all levels.” Tebas went further, stating that “in my opinion, yes [Infantino should resign], I think he has had his day,” while acknowledging the president’s entrenched support within the federation system. His comments reflect a broader frustration with what he calls irresponsible decision‑making at the highest level of the sport.

Spain, Portugal and Morocco Set for 2030

The 2030 World Cup will be the first major tournament staged by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, the three nations acting as primary hosts. To commemorate the event’s centenary, special opening matches are scheduled in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay. Alejandro Domínguez, president of the South American governing body Conmebol, confirmed that the 2030 edition will feature 64 teams, signaling FIFA’s continued trend toward larger fields. The inclusion of three extra venues underscores the growing geographic spread of the tournament.

2026 Tournament Sparks Fresh Debate

The United States, Canada and Mexico hosted the 2026 World Cup, but criticism lingered over visa complications, ticket pricing and hydration breaks. Critics, including Tebas, dismissed the hydration pauses as “a lie” and a “break for advertising,” arguing they serve commercial interests over player welfare. The controversy intensified when the United States striker Folarin Balogun’s red‑card suspension was overturned following a discussion between President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino. These issues have reignited a conversation about the cost and fairness of expanding the competition.

Historical Context of Expansion

Football’s World Cup has grown steadily: 24 teams in 1994, 32 for the next seven editions, and a historic 48‑team field in the most recent tournament. Each expansion has been marketed as a way to increase global participation and revenue. However, league officials like Tebas contend that rapid growth strains domestic calendars and diminishes the quality of elite competition. The shift from 32 to 48 teams already strained clubs, and a further jump to 64 could exacerbate those pressures.

Infantino Defends Expansion and Success

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who took office in 2016, defended the 2026 edition as an “incredible success” and hinted that a 64‑team format could be adopted. He also addressed critics, asserting that “nothing can touch the power and the magic of the World Cup,” emphasizing the event’s unifying role worldwide. Infantino’s comments suggest that the future size of the tournament will depend on further internal discussions and analyses. His stance underscores a divide between FIFA’s growth agenda and concerns from top league officials.

What Lies Ahead for the Next FIFA Election

The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 18, with Infantino having announced his intention to run again. Tebas’s call for resignation highlights a lack of viable opposition, as “there is no opposition candidate, no one wants to present themselves to lose.” Silent dissent within the organization appears to be a persistent problem, with many acknowledging damage but choosing not to act. The upcoming vote will be a key moment for members who are unsettled by the current leadership’s direction on World Cup expansion.