2026 World Cup: Tebas calls on FIFA President Infantino to step down

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has called on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step down following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The tournament ended on Sunday in New York, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to claim their second World Cup title.

Tebas strongly criticized FIFA’s handling of the competition, taking issue with several aspects of the tournament’s organization.

Among his main concerns were the use of hydration breaks during matches and the inclusion of a musical performance at the World Cup final, arguing that such decisions reflected poor management of the global football showpiece.

He also referenced the Balogun incident as an example of Infantino’s mismanagement of the federation, asserting that it necessitates his resignation.

“FIFA organizes events according to their own interests, rather than for the benefit of football. If they require a 27-minute break, they simply create one.

“Hydration breaks are absurd. We have them in LaLiga, but only under extreme heat conditions. The stadiums in Dallas, LA, and Atlanta were air-conditioned; I even had to wear a sweater in the stands! It was ridiculous, all for a commercial interruption. Additionally, there was the Balogun situation.

“They were fortunate that Belgium eliminated the USA, as otherwise, a scandal could have arisen that might have cost Infantino his position. With Belgium’s victory, they managed to suppress the issue. However, this is merely the tip of the iceberg. Infantino should resign; his time has come.

“Yet, he enjoys the backing of the establishment and national federations. There is no opposing candidate; no one is willing to run for a position they are likely to lose. The system is fundamentally flawed. In the USA, I have heard many voices criticizing Infantino and opposing his actions,” he stated (via Tribal Football).

Gianni Infantino and FIFA faced scrutiny during the tournament, particularly due to the alterations made to the traditional organization of the competition. These changes prompted UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin to boycott the final in New York.

A significant topic of discussion during the tournament was the involvement of the US government in the Folarin Balogun decision. President Donald Trump disclosed that he had urged Infantino to reassess the decision after the striker received a red card, leading to the suspension of his ban upon review.

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