La Liga President Accuses FIFA Chief Infantino of 'Destroying' Football

Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, has strongly criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino, asserting that Infantino's tenure has run its course and that his actions are "destroying the very essence" of football. These remarks come amid ongoing pressure regarding a failed private investment proposal from Infantino.

Infantino has faced mounting criticism after abandoning plans to establish a commercial arm that would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in FIFA's major competitions, including the World Cup. Although Infantino recently apologized to member associations for the handling of the proposal, the backlash has intensified, with organizations like UEFA, the Football Association, and several other governing bodies demanding his resignation.

In an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde, Tebas expressed his conviction that Infantino's leadership is no longer effective. "For me, Gianni Infantino’s time has long since passed," Tebas stated. He clarified that his opinion is not solely based on recent events but on a long-observed management style that he believes others are only now recognizing. "Gianni Infantino is not someone who contributes to the growth of football. On the contrary, his projects are destroying the very essence of the sport: the national leagues."

Tebas emphasized that football's appeal extends beyond the elite, declaring, "Football is not limited to the elite. For me, the Infantino era is over."

Furthermore, Tebas argued that merely replacing Infantino would be insufficient, advocating for a comprehensive reform of FIFA. "What remains to be seen is when that will take effect and how the succession will unfold," he commented. "I hope it is not just a matter of swapping out some people for others, but of a genuine overhaul."

Infantino Faces a Turbulent Week

This criticism arrives during a challenging period for Infantino. UEFA has confirmed a departure payment made to a former female employee who reportedly had a relationship with him during his time as UEFA general secretary, allegations Infantino denies. Despite FIFA's withdrawal of its investment plans, UEFA has threatened to boycott future World Cups if similar proposals are reintroduced.

Tebas views the current controversies as indicative of broader governance issues within the sport. "What is happening does not surprise me," he said. "What does surprise me is the reaction of many people who remained silent for years." He elaborated, "This episode is only the tip of the iceberg of what has been going on within an institution, FIFA, but also more broadly in football, where there are no real governance policies. And the problem is not limited to one person; it is about an entire system. The old system can persist even when the people change. Let’s hope things truly change, that a new leader arrives, and that new governance is established at FIFA."

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English Translation and Paraphrase:

La Liga President Accuses FIFA Chief Infantino of 'Destroying' Football

La Liga president Javier Tebas has vehemently stated that Gianni Infantino's leadership at FIFA has run its course, accusing him of "destroying the very essence" of football. This strong criticism comes amidst mounting pressure on Infantino following the failure of his proposed private investment plan.

Infantino has been under intense scrutiny after abandoning plans to create a commercial subsidiary that would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in FIFA competitions, including the prestigious World Cup. Although Infantino issued an apology to member associations this week regarding the handling of the proposal, the dissent has grown, with prominent bodies like UEFA, the Football Association, and others calling for his resignation.

Speaking to the French publication Le Monde, Tebas shared his belief that Infantino's leadership era is over. "For me, Gianni Infantino’s time has long since passed," he declared. Tebas clarified that this is not a recent opinion, stating he has observed this management style for a considerable time, even as others are only now acknowledging it. He continued, "Gianni Infantino is not someone who contributes to the growth of football. On the contrary, his projects are destroying the very essence of the sport: the national leagues."

Tebas further asserted that the appeal of football extends beyond an elite group, concluding, "Football is not limited to the elite. For me, the Infantino era is over."

He also argued that simply replacing Infantino would not be sufficient, stressing the need for a complete overhaul of FIFA. "What remains to be seen is when that will take effect and how the succession will unfold," Tebas added. "I hope it is not just a matter of swapping out some people for others, but of a genuine overhaul."

Infantino's Turbulent Week Continues

These criticisms come during a tumultuous week for Infantino. UEFA confirmed a severance payment was made to a former female employee who allegedly had a relationship with him during his tenure as UEFA general secretary, claims that Infantino denies. Despite FIFA shelving its investment plans, UEFA has maintained its stance and threatened to boycott future World Cups should similar proposals resurface.

Tebas believes these controversies are a symptom of deeper governance issues within football. "What is happening does not surprise me," he stated. "What does surprise me is the reaction of many people who remained silent for years." He further commented, "This episode is only the tip of the iceberg of what has been going on within an institution, FIFA, but also more broadly in football, where there are no real governance policies. And the problem is not limited to one person; it is about an entire system. The old system can persist even when the people change. Let’s hope things truly change, that a new leader arrives, and that new governance is established at FIFA."