LAGOS JULY 22ND (NEWSRANGERS)-La Liga president Javier Tebas has taken aim at FIFA and Gianni Infantino, accusing them of attempting to ‘destroy’ soccer with their proposals to expand future World Cups to 64 teams.
Spain claimed the tournament title on Sunday, defeating Argentina 1-0 in an underwhelming Final. For the first time, 48 nations — rather than the traditional 32 — competed across venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico under an expanded format this summer, yet Infantino has already confirmed that adding a further 16 teams is under consideration.
Tebas, however, has fiercely opposed the plans, insisting they make ‘no sense’ and that pushing forward with them would be reckless, via The Mirror.
“Increasing the number of national teams makes no sense,” Tebas told Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport. “The football industry is not just the World Cup, which is the most important event. But not everything can revolve around the World Cup. It is national competitions that support this sport.
“They are destroying the football industry, the one that generates tens of thousands of jobs for an event that lasts 40 days and to which the minority of players go.
“We need fewer national teams and more protection for national football, at all levels. They don’t realize, they decide irresponsibly.”
Tebas also moved to question Infantino’s standing following scrutiny over political interference at the World Cup from United States President Donald Trump.
Infantino has held the top job for a decade and is widely anticipated to be re-elected for a fourth term next year. However, Tebas is calling for change, even as he acknowledges the likelihood of it happening remains slim.
“In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up,” he added. “But he has the support of the system, of the federations, there is not much more to add, right?
“There is no opposition candidate, no one wants to present themselves to lose. This is the system, and it is a system that is sick at the source.
“In these days here in America I have heard many people against Infantino, who do not agree with what he does. They say it, but then they do nothing.
“I don’t know if silence or complicity is worse, because those who are silent are perfectly aware of the damage that football is suffering.”
All Oout Soccer
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