Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, continued his criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that the latter should step down from his position as soon as possible following the controversial events witnessed in recent weeks during and after the World Cup.
Infantino faced extensive criticism throughout the World Cup tournament, which witnessed numerous controversial incidents, ranging from refereeing decisions to the intervention by former US President Donald Trump to lift the suspension of Folarin Balogun ahead of the United States' Round of 16 match against Belgium, alongside the exclusion of Somali referee Omar Artan from the tournament.
Criticism toward Infantino intensified following his announcement of a project to sell shares of FIFA to external investors who would oversee major tournaments such as the World Cup.
The fierce backlash against this proposal prompted Infantino to immediately cancel it, amid announcements from UEFA member associations regarding a boycott of FIFA tournaments.
Read also: Reports: UEFA plans to remove Infantino from FIFA presidency... and Nasser Al-Khelaifi's stance
Tebas stated in remarks quoted by English journalist Ben Jacobs: "Continental confederations, club associations, and players should not be satisfied with this withdrawal and consider the matter closed; the issue now runs much deeper than that."
He added: "Has anyone forgotten the political interference that occurred to overturn a red card? The investigation opened in Congress requesting an inquiry into Infantino due to unsportsmanlike conduct? The dropping of charges in historical FIFA corruption cases? The exorbitant World Cup ticket prices? And the controversial decisions regarding new competitions and formats, made without genuine dialogue or agreement with relevant stakeholders?"
He clarified: "The problem was never merely a single proposal made by Infantino; rather, it lies in a governance model focused on power, undermining disciplinary rules, and marginalizing those directly affected by his decisions. For all these reasons, I believe Gianni Infantino should not continue as FIFA President."
He concluded: "Football needs new leadership that revolutionizes the administrative system, restores its credibility, and builds future decisions through consultation with relevant stakeholders after предварительно evaluating their sporting, economic, and social impact, instead of imposing them. Infantino's retraction of this decision does not erase what he has done."
