Tebas says Infantino should go as Fifa feud intensifies

La Liga president Javier Tebas has called on Fifa boss Gianni Infantino to step down, escalating a long-running dispute over the future shape of the global football calendar. Tebas says the game’s governing body is pushing football in the wrong direction and claims its recent strategy is undermining the broader industry.

The latest criticism adds to growing tension between domestic leagues and Fifa over congestion in the schedule, commercial priorities and the balance of power between club and international football. Tebas has been one of the most outspoken senior figures in Europe on those themes, regularly warning that too many new competitions and too many match dates risk stretching players, clubs and supporters.

Tebas renews his attack on Fifa leadership

In his strongest language yet, the La Liga chief argued that Infantino’s leadership has reached a point where change is needed at the top. His central complaint is not simply about one tournament or one policy, but about what he sees as a model that puts expansion first and long-term sustainability second.

That accusation goes to the heart of the present debate in football governance. Domestic leagues, especially in Europe, have repeatedly voiced concerns that the addition or enlargement of international events could squeeze already packed fixture lists. From their perspective, every extra commitment has consequences for player welfare, broadcast value and the rhythm of national competitions.

Why the row matters beyond politics

This is more than a war of words between two influential administrators. The struggle reflects a wider argument over who gets to shape the sport’s future: global governing bodies seeking fresh revenue streams and worldwide reach, or leagues that believe week-to-week domestic competition remains the foundation of the game.

For clubs, the issue is practical as much as political. Managers are already dealing with heavier workloads, more travel and shorter recovery windows for elite players. Fans, meanwhile, are being asked to absorb an ever busier calendar that can make major events feel less distinct. Tebas’ warning is essentially that football risks overloading its own product.

What could happen next?

There is no indication that Infantino is preparing to leave, and Tebas’ intervention should be seen as a pressure move rather than a trigger for immediate change. Still, the significance lies in how publicly and forcefully a major league president is challenging Fifa’s direction at a time when tensions over scheduling and governance remain high.

In the near term, the dispute is likely to sharpen debate between Fifa, continental bodies, leagues and clubs over how the calendar is managed. Whether that leads to compromise or further confrontation will depend on how willing the main powerbrokers are to protect their own interests while acknowledging that the current volume of elite football has become a serious concern across the sport.