La Liga President Tebas Declares Infantino Era Over at FIFA 2026

Javier Tebas has declared that the Infantino era at FIFA is over, as the La Liga president escalates his long-standing criticism of Gianni Infantino's leadership and calls for urgent reform in football governance.

In an exclusive interview with French newspaper Le Monde, Tebas reiterated his demand for Infantino's resignation, stating that the FIFA president's projects are "destroying the very essence of football." The remarks come amid growing pressure from European football bodies and national associations who view Infantino's continued tenure as untenable.

Infantino's Leadership Under Fire

Tebas, who has been a vocal opponent of Infantino for years, emphasized that his criticism is not based on recent events alone but on a long-observed management style. "For me, Gianni Infantino's time has long since passed," he said. "I have noticed this style of management for a long time, though everyone else seems to be discovering it only now."

The La Liga president accused Infantino of prioritizing elite interests over the broader football community. "Football is not limited to the elite. For me, the Infantino era is over," Tebas asserted. "What remains to be seen is when that will take effect and how the succession will unfold. I hope it is not just a matter of swapping out some people for others, but of a genuine overhaul."

Growing Coalition Against Infantino

Infantino is battling to stay in post despite an increasingly coordinated attempt to unseat the 56-year-old Swiss. UEFA has made it clear they regard Infantino's leadership as untenable, and the Norwegian Football Federation has formally called for him to stand down. Several European associations have withdrawn their letters endorsing Infantino for another term.

UEFA confirmed on Saturday that a "departure path" is being discussed, signaling that the movement to replace Infantino is gaining momentum. The controversy follows Infantino's secret and subsequently quashed plans to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup to private investors, which sparked widespread outrage.

Comparing FIFA Leadership Eras

To understand the significance of Tebas's comments, it's useful to compare the current FIFA administration with previous leadership and what critics hope for in the future:

Key Takeaways from Tebas's Statement

• Infantino's leadership is widely challenged by European football officials and national associations.
• Tebas calls for a genuine overhaul of FIFA's governance, not merely a change in personnel.
• The World Cup stake sale controversy has intensified calls for Infantino's resignation.
• UEFA and Norway have taken concrete steps to oppose Infantino's continued presidency.

The push to remove Infantino reflects a broader desire to reform how world football is governed. Tebas's outspoken stance aligns with those who believe that FIFA's current trajectory harms the sport's integrity and its grassroots foundations.

While Infantino has not publicly responded to the latest remarks, the pressure is mounting. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the "Infantino era" indeed comes to an end and what shape FIFA's leadership will take in the future.

FAQ