FIFA ‘destroying football’ for the World Cup, says Spanish football chief

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing AFP, reported that La Liga President Javier Tebas sharply criticized FIFA after its leadership raised the possibility of expanding the 2030 men’s World Cup to 64 teams. In an interview published Tuesday by Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tebas accused the global governing body of acting irresponsibly and said FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s tenure was “over.”

According to the report, Tebas argued that FIFA’s decision-making and election system are flawed and said the organization is prioritizing the World Cup at the expense of the wider football industry. He warned that domestic leagues, which he described as central to sustaining the sport and employment around it, are being squeezed by the international calendar.

The dispute follows Infantino’s remarks at the World Cup opening ceremony in June, where he referred to discussions about a possible 64-team format for the 2030 centenary tournament. That edition is set to be hosted mainly by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with some matches also planned in Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina.

Tebas said leagues have repeatedly raised concerns about fixture congestion and argued for fewer national-team commitments and stronger protection for club football. Al Jazeera reported that FIFA had not responded to its request for comment on Tebas’s accusations. The comments add to an ongoing debate in football over expanding global competitions, player workload and the balance of power between FIFA, national teams and domestic leagues.