LaLiga president Javier Tebas has declared Gianni Infantino’s “time has long since passed”, accusing the FIFA chief of “destroying the very essence” of football as pressure continues to mount over his failed private investment proposal.
Infantino has come under increasing scrutiny after abandoning plans to create a commercial subsidiary that would have allowed private investors to buy stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
The FIFA president apologised to member associations this week over how the proposal was handled, but the backlash has intensified, with UEFA, the Football Association and several other governing bodies calling for his resignation.
Speaking to French newspaper Le Monde, Tebas said he believes Infantino’s leadership has run its course.
“For me, Gianni Infantino’s time has long since passed,” he said.
“I’m not saying this because of recent events. I have noticed this style of management for a long time, though everyone else seems to be discovering it only now.
“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.
“Football is not limited to the elite. For me, the Infantino era is over.”
Tebas also argued that replacing Infantino alone would not be enough, insisting FIFA requires wholesale reform.
“What remains to be seen is when that will take effect and how the succession will unfold,” he added.
“I hope it is not just a matter of swapping out some people for others, but of a genuine overhaul.”
Turbulent week continues for Infantino
The criticism comes during a turbulent week for Infantino, with UEFA confirming a departure payment had been made to a former female employee who is alleged to have been in a relationship with him during his time as UEFA general secretary. Infantino has denied those allegations.
Despite FIFA abandoning its investment plans, UEFA has maintained its threat to boycott future World Cups if similar proposals are revived.
Tebas believes the controversy is symptomatic of wider governance issues within football.
“What is happening does not surprise me,” he said.
“What does surprise me is the reaction of many people who remained silent for years.
“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.”
