LaLiga president Javier Tebas has accused Gianni Infantino of “destroying the very essence” of football and believes that Infantino’s presidency at FIFA should come to an end.
Infantino has been under fire due to his unsuccessful attempt to attract private investment for a company designed to manage FIFA’s competitions and offer stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
Following criticism, FIFA announced it would “not proceed” with these plans, and on Wednesday, Infantino issued an apology to national associations regarding the way the proposal was handled.
Organizations like UEFA and the Football Association have called for Infantino’s resignation.
The pressure intensified this week when UEFA disclosed that a “departure payment” had been made to a female employee who allegedly had a relationship with Infantino while he served as the organization’s general secretary—claims Infantino has denied.
Tebas, who has led LaLiga since 2013, has joined others in calling for Infantino’s resignation, asserting that his position has become untenable.
In an interview with Le Monde, Tebas stated: “For me, Gianni Infantino’s time has long since passed.”
“I am not expressing this opinion solely based on recent events; I have been critical of his management style for a long time, even if many are only now coming to this realization.”
“Gianni Infantino does not contribute to the advancement of football. In fact, his initiatives are undermining the core of the sport: the national leagues.”
“Football is not only for the elite. To me, the Infantino era is over.”
“It remains to be seen when this change will take place and how the succession will be managed. I hope it goes beyond merely replacing one set of individuals with another, but rather entails a significant overhaul.”
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In response to Infantino’s critics, FIFA has accused them of seeking to undermine his authority in hopes of removing him without a proper re-election process, while associations from Mexico and Argentina have voiced their support for him.
A potential European boycott of the World Cup looms despite Infantino’s apology, with Tebas remarking: “What is happening does not surprise me.”
“What does catch me off guard is the response of many who have remained silent for so long.”
“This situation is merely the tip of the iceberg regarding the ongoing issues within FIFA as an institution and the broader football landscape, which currently lacks effective governance policies. The problem is systemic, not confined to one individual.”
“The old system can endure even as personnel change. Let us hope for genuine transformation, the arrival of new leadership, and the establishment of improved governance at FIFA.”