Infantino’s Reign of Error: Time for FIFA to Rethink Its Priorities

La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for Gianni Infantino’s resignation as FIFA president, citing a broader problem within the world governing body. Tebas’ criticism targets not just Infantino but also FIFA’s decision-making process, which he describes as “rotten at its core.” The lack of opposition and reliance on national federations for support are major concerns.

Tebas has been quietly gathering support from others who share his views. His criticism of recent decisions, such as mandatory hydration breaks during World Cup matches and extended half-time intervals, is not new but gains weight due to his influential position within European football. These decisions have been met with widespread criticism, with some arguing that they prioritize broadcaster interests over player welfare.

The situation is complicated by the role of national federations, which appear to wield more influence over Infantino’s decisions than they should. Tebas notes that there is no opposition candidate, highlighting a lack of genuine competition within FIFA. This has allowed Infantino to maintain his grip on power despite growing dissent.

A recent case involving Folarin Balogun, who escaped a suspension due to an intervention from US President Donald Trump, illustrates the far-reaching consequences of FIFA’s decisions. Tebas believes that this incident could have led to Infantino’s downfall if it hadn’t been buried by Belgium’s win over the USA.

FIFA’s priorities seem skewed towards the World Cup at the expense of national competitions. The introduction of a 64-team global tournament would further dilute the importance of national leagues, potentially costing tens of thousands of jobs generated by national competitions. Tebas argues that this focus on international matches comes at the cost of football’s grassroots and domestic leagues.

The fact that FIFA has ignored these concerns and pressed ahead with its plans raises questions about its commitment to the sport. It is time for a change in direction, one that prioritizes the needs of football over those of its governing body. As Infantino faces re-election for a fourth term at the March congress, it is crucial that the football community comes together to demand change.

The silence from other national federations is deafening. Where are they in this debate? Why haven’t they spoken out against FIFA’s decisions? Their silence only adds to the growing unease within the football community. Until their concerns translate into concrete action, Infantino will continue to hold sway over FIFA.