La Liga President Tebas' harsh words for FIFA: Infantino should resign

La Liga President Javier Tebas directed harsh criticism at the FIFA administration in his assessment following Spain's World Cup victory. Tebas made notable remarks regarding match organization, commercial practices, calendar decisions, and the management style of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Tebas described the success of Spanish football as "teamwork." Emphasizing the clubs' investments in youth infrastructure, the player pool La Liga provides to the national team, and the federation's role in talent development, Tebas said that the work head coach Luis de la Fuente has carried out since the youth levels was also decisive in this success.

Tebas stated that De la Fuente joined the federation in 2013 and that a significant portion of the players he coached in the youth categories were in the World Cup-winning squad. Drawing attention to the human resources working at different levels in Spanish football, Tebas said, "There is a tendency in football to get hung up on names, but it is the people who make the difference."

CRITICISM OF FIFA'S ORGANIZATION

Tebas' harshest words were regarding FIFA's World Cup practices. Criticizing the halftime break extending from 15 minutes to over 27 minutes in the final and certain practices during the tournament, the La Liga President argued that FIFA makes its decisions "not for football, but for its own interests."

Targeting the hydration breaks as well, Tebas stated that this practice is only used in La Liga under truly hot weather conditions. Saying that the stadiums in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Atlanta have air conditioning, Tebas claimed that these breaks were for advertising purposes.

Citing the disciplinary process regarding American player Balogun as an example, Tebas argued that FIFA acts like an institution that "takes whatever decision it wants, whenever it wants." Suggesting that the incident did not escalate because Belgium eliminated the USA, Tebas claimed that otherwise, it could have turned into a development that would call Infantino's position into question.

Evaluating FIFA and UEFA's authority over football, Tebas said that the Super League ruling gave the two institutions great power, but that this power is not being used with transparency and consensus. Reminding that they have criticized the calendar issue repeatedly, Tebas also opposed FIFA's 64-team World Cup plan.

When asked whether Infantino should resign, Tebas replied, "I think so, I think he has completed his term." However, stating that the current system and the support of the federations allow Infantino to remain in office, Tebas used the phrase, "The system is rotten to the core."

Tebas also noted that many people who react to the FIFA administration in private conversations remain silent in public, saying, "I don't know which is worse, silence or complicity."

News Source: 12punto