FIFA destroying football industry - La Liga chief
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- La Liga President Javier Tebas accused FIFA of acting irresponsibly regarding discussions about a 64-team World Cup in 2030.
- Tebas believes FIFA President Gianni Infantino's tenure is over and criticizes a flawed system within the global governing body.
- He argued that expanding the World Cup for a 40-day event risks destroying the broader football industry that supports thousands of jobs.
Javier Tebas, the president of Spain's La Liga, has sharply criticized FIFA, accusing the global football governing body of irresponsible decision-making. Tebas specifically targeted discussions around expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams, calling the move a threat to the entire football industry. In an interview with Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tebas declared that FIFA President Gianni Infantino's time at the helm is "over," attributing the current situation to a "fundamentally flawed" system. Tebas emphasized that the football industry encompasses far more than just the World Cup, generating tens of thousands of jobs. He argued that prioritizing a 40-day tournament, which involves only a fraction of players, risks damaging this larger ecosystem. He pointed out that domestic leagues are the lifeblood of the sport, providing year-round engagement and employment. Tebas expressed concern over the competition calendar, stating that FIFA's focus on a larger World Cup ignores the needs of domestic football. He advocated for fewer national teams and greater protection for leagues at all levels, suggesting FIFA fails to grasp the implications of its decisions.
The football industry is not just about the World Cup, however important it may be.
Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.