La Liga president Javier Tebas has stated that Gianni Infantino’s tenure as Fifa president is over, asserting that Infantino is “destroying the very essence of football.” Tebas has called for reform at the highest levels of the sport.
Tebas, a long-standing critic of the current Fifa regime, indicated that the “Infantino era is over” and advocated for broadening control of the game beyond the existing “elite.” These remarks follow continued criticism directed at Infantino, particularly after his plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors were abandoned.
In an interview with French newspaper Le Monde, Tebas reiterated his call for Infantino’s resignation, an appeal he initially made after the World Cup. He noted that he has observed Infantino’s management style for a considerable period, suggesting that others are only now recognizing it.
Criticism and Support for Infantino
Tebas contends that Gianni Infantino does not contribute to football’s growth and that his projects are detrimental to national leagues. He believes football extends beyond the elite and that a genuine overhaul, rather than merely replacing individuals, is necessary.
Infantino is currently facing efforts from European football officials and others to remove him from his position. Uefa has expressed that Infantino’s continued leadership of world football is untenable, and the Norwegian FA has called for his resignation. Additionally, several European associations have withdrawn their endorsements for Infantino’s re-election as Fifa president.
Uefa confirmed on a recent Saturday that a “departure payment” was made to a female employee. This payment followed allegations of a relationship with Infantino more than a decade ago, during his time as the organization’s general secretary. Reports from The Daily Telegraph suggested the woman received a six-figure sum after the alleged relationship, although Fifa dismissed these allegations as “categorically untrue.”
Fifa issued a statement accusing Infantino’s critics of attempting to remove him from office before the presidential election scheduled for next March. The statement emphasized that those lacking the support of Fifa’s member associations should not try to achieve their goals through “allegation, insinuation or misinformation” instead of through established democratic processes.
Despite the criticism, Infantino has received backing from prominent nations outside Europe, including World Cup co-host Mexico and finalists Argentina. He has also garnered support from the South American body Conmebol and the Confederation of African Football (Caf). Fifa’s management board also backed Infantino at a meeting in Morocco.
Fifa has strongly denied claims by The Telegraph regarding a payoff to an alleged lover during Infantino’s time at Uefa. Fifa stated it would not support any process concerning the election of its president that is inconsistent with its statutes, democratic procedures, and governance framework.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Outlook
A Fifa spokesperson highlighted an apparent “concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine Fifa and its President.” The organization asserted that recent reporting has included unsubstantiated assertions and false claims. Fifa emphasized its commitment to its 211 Member Associations and to global football, stating it would not be diverted from its mission to strengthen the organization and make football truly global.
Uefa has maintained its threat to boycott all Fifa tournaments, even after the abandonment of the proposed sell-off plans. The women’s Under-20 World Cup is scheduled to begin in Poland on 5 September.
Infantino succeeded Sepp Blatter as president of Fifa in February 2016, having previously served as Uefa’s general secretary for seven years.
Fifa welcomes legitimate scrutiny but warns against distorting facts or amplifying unsubstantiated allegations. The organization stated it would challenge inaccurate or misleading reporting directly and vigorously.
The presidential election is scheduled for March of next year.
Source: theguardian.com
