Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
World Cup expansion has triggered a fresh attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, with La Liga president Javier Tebas calling for his resignation on July 22. Javier Tebas accused Gianni Infantino of damaging domestic football by expanding international competitions and placing greater strain on club schedules.
The dispute centres on a South American Football Confederation proposal to increase the 2030 FIFA World Cup from 48 to 64 teams. Javier Tebas says further growth would worsen fixture congestion and damage domestic leagues.
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Javier Tebas demands change at FIFA
“In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up,” Javier Tebas said when asked whether Gianni Infantino should leave.
Javier Tebas accepted that Gianni Infantino retains support among FIFA member associations and is unlikely to face an opposition candidate. Gianni Infantino has announced plans to seek another term covering 2027 to 2031.
“It's national competition that sustains this sport,” Javier Tebas said. “They are destroying the football industry, which generates tens of thousands of jobs, for an event that lasts 40 days and involves a minority of players.”
The official FIFA 2030 tournament page confirms matches will be staged across Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. A 64-team format remains a proposal rather than a confirmed change.
Hydration breaks and final criticised
Javier Tebas also attacked the hydration breaks used midway through each half of the 2026 tournament. The breaks were introduced for summer heat, but critics argued they interrupted match rhythm and created extra opportunities for advertising and tactical instructions.
“Hydration breaks are a lie. We have them in La Liga, but only when it's genuinely hot,” Javier Tebas said.
Javier Tebas also questioned the World Cup final’s 27-minute half-time interval, which included a music show before Spain defeated Argentina 1-0. The standard interval is 15 minutes.
Football Supporters Europe joined the criticism by raising concerns about ticket prices, transport costs, communication and rule changes. “The 2026 World Cup should have been a celebration of the game and the supporters who give it life.”
Gianni Infantino is scheduled to stand for re-election on March 18 in Morocco. The argument over tournament size and commercial control now looms over that vote.
