FIFA ‘destroying football’ for the World Cup, says Spanish football chief

Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, has accused FIFA of acting “irresponsibly” over plans to expand the men's World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 edition, calling the move a threat to the future of football. In an interview with an Italian sports newspaper, Tebas stated that FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s tenure should end, describing the organization’s leadership structure as “fundamentally flawed.” The remarks come amid growing tensions within world football over the proposed expansion, which would see the tournament hosted jointly by Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. Tebas criticized FIFA for prioritizing the World Cup over the health of domestic leagues, arguing that the global governing body is undermining the football industry. He highlighted that the World Cup, while significant, is a short-term event lasting only 40 days and involves only a small fraction of professional players. Instead, he emphasized the importance of domestic competitions, which generate tens of thousands of jobs and sustain the sport at all levels. “They are destroying the football industry, which generates tens of thousands of jobs, for an event that lasts 40 days and involves only a minority of players,” he said. The controversy stems from comments made by Infantino during the World Cup opening ceremony in June, where he announced ongoing discussions about expanding the tournament to 64 teams ahead of its centenary in 2030. The plan, which would mark a major shift from the current 32-team format, has sparked widespread debate among football officials and fans. Tebas, who represents one of Europe’s top leagues, argued that such a change would disrupt the existing competition calendar and place undue pressure on clubs and players. “We have repeatedly expressed our concerns about the competition calendar. And now they want to organise a 64-team World Cup,” he said. Tebas further called for a reduction in the number of national teams competing in international tournaments and greater support for domestic football. He claimed that FIFA fails to recognize these needs, instead making decisions based on short-term gains rather than long-term sustainability. “We need fewer national teams and better protection for domestic football at all levels. They don’t realise this and are making decisions irresponsibly,” he added. The proposed expansion has drawn mixed reactions from other stakeholders. While some supporters argue that increasing the number of teams could boost interest in the World Cup and provide more opportunities for emerging nations, critics warn that it could strain the already demanding international schedule. The 2030 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with additional matches in Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, faces logistical challenges, including coordinating travel and scheduling across multiple continents. FIFA has yet to respond publicly to Tebas’s allegations, despite being contacted by Al Jazeera for a statement. The lack of official reaction has left many questions unanswered, particularly regarding how the organization intends to balance the interests of global football with the demands of its member associations. As preparations for the 2030 World Cup continue, the debate over the tournament’s future shows no signs of abating, with key figures in European football continuing to challenge the direction of the sport’s governing body.