Concerns Over Fifa’s Direction
Concerns Over Fifa’s Direction
Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, has publicly called for Fifa president Gianni Infantino to resign, stating that it is “his time to go.” Tebas argues that the global governing body is “destroying the football industry” through its actions and decisions. He expressed these views during an interview with an Italian sports daily.
Tebas’s criticisms extend to several aspects of Fifa’s recent conduct, including the implementation of hydration breaks during the World Cup, the extended half-time interval, and the potential for a 64-team tournament. He also highlighted a situation involving the postponement of a suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun as a serious concern.
The La Liga president believes that while Infantino has the support of national federations, the current election system within Fifa is “rotten at its core.” He noted that there is no opposition candidate, as individuals are unwilling to stand if they expect to lose, suggesting that the system ensures Infantino’s continued leadership despite widespread disagreement.
Critiques of World Cup Decisions
During his time in the United States for the World Cup, Tebas observed significant opposition to Infantino’s leadership among many people. He questioned whether the silence or complicity of those who disagree is worse, as they are aware of the damage being inflicted upon football but do not act.
One specific point of contention for Tebas was the decision regarding Balogun’s suspension. He described the postponement of the player’s ban for his side’s last-16 tie as “absolutely serious.” Tebas suggested that if Belgium had not eliminated the USA, a case might have emerged that could have jeopardized Infantino’s position. However, with Belgium’s victory, the matter was reportedly “buried.”
Uefa, European football’s governing body, also criticized Fifa’s decision at the time, labeling it “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.” This decision was cited as a reason for Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin’s absence from the World Cup final.
Tebas further challenged Infantino’s suggestion of a 64-team global tournament, arguing that “not everything can revolve around the World Cup.” He emphasized that increasing the number of national teams makes no sense and that the football industry is sustained by national competitions, not just a 40-day event involving a minority of players. He called for fewer international matches and greater protection for national football at all levels, accusing Fifa of making irresponsible decisions.
Advertising and Commercial Interests
The La Liga president also took issue with the mandatory three-minute hydration breaks introduced by Fifa for all World Cup matches played in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, regardless of conditions. While Fifa cited player welfare as the reason, critics, including Tebas, have pointed to broadcasters using these breaks for commercials.
Tebas stated that La Liga also has hydration breaks, but only when it is genuinely hot. He noted that pitches in cities like Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta had air conditioning, making the hydration breaks a “lie” and primarily for advertising purposes. He believes this demonstrates that Fifa acts according to its own interests, often to the detriment of football.
Another point of contention was the extended half-time show at the World Cup final, which featured performances by musical artists. This extended the usual 15-minute break to 27 minutes and 22 seconds. Tebas asserted that Fifa arranges things as it pleases, for its own interests, and not for the benefit of football itself. He concluded that the current state of affairs means Infantino will likely not leave, despite the criticisms.
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Source: bbc.com
