Javier Tebas believes Gianni Infantino can no longer remain Fifa president, accusing him of “undermining the fundamental character of football” and demanding major changes within the sport’s governing structure.
The La Liga president, a persistent and outspoken opponent of the current Fifa leadership, declared that “Infantino’s period in charge has reached its end” and argued that authority should no longer be concentrated among the game’s existing “elite”.
Tebas’s comments are unlikely to surprise figures within football, but they add to the growing criticism facing Infantino after he sought to remain in office despite confidential plans, later abandoned, to sell private investors a share in the World Cup.
Speaking to the French newspaper Le Monde, Tebas renewed his demand for Infantino’s resignation, which he first made after the World Cup and before the controversy surrounding the proposed sale. “In my view, Gianni Infantino should have left a long time ago,” he said.
“My opinion is not based solely on recent developments. I have observed this approach to leadership for years, although many people appear to be recognising it only now.
“Gianni Infantino does not help football develop. Instead, his initiatives threaten the foundations of the sport, particularly its domestic leagues.
“Football must serve more than a small group at the top. I believe Infantino’s time is finished. The remaining questions are when his departure will happen and how a successor will be chosen. I hope the outcome delivers meaningful structural reform rather than simply replacing one group of officials with another.”
Infantino is fighting to retain his position as European football officials and other opponents increasingly coordinate efforts to remove the 56-year-old Swiss administrator. Uefa has said his continued leadership of global football is no longer sustainable, while the Norwegian FA has urged him to resign and several European associations have withdrawn letters supporting his bid for another term as Fifa president.
Uefa confirmed on Saturday that a “departure payment” was given to a female employee who allegedly had a relationship with Infantino when he served as the organisation’s general secretary more than 10 years ago.
A newspaper reported on Friday evening that the woman received a six-figure payment following the alleged relationship. Fifa rejected the claims as “completely false”.
On Saturday evening, Fifa released a statement alleging that Infantino’s opponents were trying to force him out before the presidential election scheduled for next March. The organisation said those lacking support from its member associations should not use accusations, suggestions or misleading information to obtain an outcome they could not secure through its recognised democratic procedures.
Infantino has also secured backing from influential countries beyond Europe, including World Cup co-host Mexico and tournament finalists Argentina. Uefa says it could still boycott every Fifa competition, with the women’s Under-20 World Cup scheduled to begin in Poland on 5 September.
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