La Liga president Javier Tebas has criticised FIFA over discussions to expand the 2030 FIFA World Cup to 64 teams, accusing the global football governing body of putting the future of the sport at risk.
In an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Tuesday, Tebas described FIFA’s approach as irresponsible and claimed the organisation is damaging the football industry.
“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,” Tebas said.
He argued that domestic football leagues remain the foundation of the sport and should be better protected.
“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.
Tebas also took aim at FIFA President Gianni Infantino, saying his leadership had run its course.
“There is a system that is fundamentally flawed,” Tebas said, adding that “Infantino’s time is over.”
The criticism follows FIFA’s confirmation that discussions are ongoing about expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams as part of the tournament’s centenary celebrations.
The 2030 edition will be co-hosted mainly by Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will stage a number of matches.
Source: AFP.
