Plans to potentially expand the World Cup to 64 teams in the future have been heavily criticized, with La Liga’s president targeting Gianni Infantino after this summer’s tournament.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino comes under fire during the World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
La Liga president Javier Tebas has accused FIFA and Gianni Infantino of trying to “destroy football” with plans to increase the number of teams competing in future World Cups to 64.
Spain won the final of this summer’s tournament on Sunday, defeating Argentina 1-0 in an unforgettable final. For the first time, 48 teams instead of the usual 32 took part in games held in the United States, Canada and Mexico as part of the expanded format, but Infantino has already confirmed that adding a further 16 teams will be discussed.
But Mr Tebas opposed the plans, saying they made “no sense” and that it would be irresponsible to go ahead with them.
“It makes no sense to increase the number of national teams,” Tebas told Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“The football industry is about more than just the World Cup, which is the most important event. But not everything can revolve around the World Cup. It is the domestic competitions that underpin the sport.”
“They are destroying the football industry, which generates tens of thousands of jobs for an event that lasts 40 days and involves a small number of players.
“We need to reduce the number of national teams and strengthen the protection of national football at all levels. They are not aware of this and are making irresponsible decisions.”
Tebas questioned Infantino’s position after US President Donald Trump criticized political interference in the World Cup.
La Liga president Javier Tebas tears into Infantino (Image: Getty Images)
Infantino has been in power for 10 years and will be elected to a fourth term next year. But Tebas wants to see change, even if he believes it’s unlikely to happen.
“In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up,” he added. “But he has the support of the system and the federation, so there’s not much more to add, right?
“There are no opposition candidates, no one wants to expose themselves and lose. This is the system, and it is a system that is fundamentally sick.
“In recent days, here in the United States, I have heard a lot of people speaking out against Infantino because they don’t agree with his actions. They say it, but then they don’t do anything.
“I don’t know which is worse: silence or complicity, because those who are silent are fully aware of the damage that is being done to football.”
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