Casablanca – La Liga president Javier Tebas has renewed his criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, arguing that plans to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams would “destroy football” and insisting it is time for the FIFA chief to step down.
Speaking in an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tebas accused FIFA of making decisions that prioritize its own interests rather than the sport itself.
His criticism comes just days after the conclusion of the first-ever 48-team World Cup, which ended with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final.
Infantino confirmed that FIFA will now begin examining a proposal to increase the tournament to 64 teams for the centenary edition in 2030.
Supporters of the proposal argue that a larger tournament would allow more nations to qualify, giving smaller footballing countries greater opportunities to compete on the global stage while generating additional revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
However, Tebas believes the move would further strain an already congested football calendar.
“We have repeatedly condemned the problem of the calendar and the excessive number of matches. Holding a World Cup with 64 teams makes no sense,” he said.
FIFA is ‘not for football’
The Spanish football executive also referenced one of the biggest off-field controversies of the 2026 World Cup, when FIFA overturned the automatic one-match suspension handed to United States forward Folarin Balogun following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing him to play in the Americans’ round-of-16 clash with Belgium.
The decision sparked criticism from UEFA, the Belgian Football Federation, and several coaches, who questioned FIFA’s interpretation of its disciplinary regulations and warned it could undermine confidence in the competition.
“FIFA organizes things for its own interests, not for football. They were very lucky that Belgium beat the United States. Otherwise, they would have caused a scandal that would have cost Infantino his job,” Tebas noted.
He concluded by calling for a change in FIFA’s leadership, stressing: “FIFA is destroying football and Infantino must leave. It is time for him to go, but he has the support of the system. There is no opposition candidate because no one wants to run just to lose.”
FIFA has yet to decide whether the 2030 World Cup will expand beyond the 48-team format.
The proposal is expected to be discussed after the governing body completes its review of the 2026 tournament.
