La Liga President Tebas Declares 'Infantino Era Is Over' at FIFA 2026

La Liga president Javier Tebas has declared that the 'Infantino era is over' at FIFA, intensifying pressure on Gianni Infantino to resign. In a pointed interview with Le Monde, Tebas accused the FIFA president of 'destroying the very essence of football' and called for a genuine overhaul of the sport's governance.

Tebas, a longtime critic of Infantino, said his position is untenable after secret plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors were quashed. The La Liga chief insists that football is not limited to the elite and that Infantino's projects undermine national leagues worldwide.

Why Tebas Says Infantino's Time Has Passed

Tebas emphasized that his criticism is not based on recent events alone. He claims to have noticed Infantino's 'style of management' for a long time, while others are only now discovering it. He stated, 'Gianni Infantino is not someone who contributes to the growth of football. On the contrary, his projects are destroying the very essence of the sport: the national leagues.'

The La Liga president also called for a 'genuine overhaul' rather than a simple change of personnel. He hopes the succession will bring structural reforms that give more power to domestic leagues and smaller football associations.

Growing Rebellion Against Infantino

Infantino is battling to stay in post despite a coordinated effort by European football officials to unseat him. UEFA has declared his leadership 'untenable,' the Norwegian FA has called for his resignation, and several European associations have withdrawn their endorsements for another term.

This mounting opposition follows a controversial plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, which was secretly developed and later quashed. The scandal has fueled calls for greater transparency and accountability at FIFA.

Key Takeaways from Tebas's Remarks

• Infantino's era is over according to La Liga president Javier Tebas.
• Tebas accuses Infantino of destroying national leagues and the essence of football.
• European associations are withdrawing support for Infantino's re-election.
• A genuine overhaul is needed, not just a change of leadership.
• The World Cup sell-off scandal has accelerated calls for reform.

Comparison of FIFA Leadership Under Infantino vs. Proposed Reform

The contrast highlights the core of Tebas's criticism: a shift from elitist, opaque decision-making to a more inclusive and transparent football ecosystem.

What's Next for FIFA and Infantino?

Infantino has not publicly responded to Tebas's latest remarks, but the pressure is mounting. With UEFA, national associations, and influential figures like Tebas calling for change, the future of FIFA's leadership is uncertain. The next FIFA Congress could be a pivotal moment for the sport's governance.

Football fans and stakeholders are watching closely to see if Infantino will step down or if a broader reform movement will reshape the game's highest governing body. As Tebas put it, 'What remains to be seen is when that will take effect and how the succession will unfold.'

FAQ