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La Liga chief Javier Tebas openly condemned FIFA president Gianni Infantino's "pathetic" Instagram tirade, doubling down on the demand for "accountability" from world football's governing body amid a wave of mounting criticism.
The 2026 World Cup may have generated a record-shattering $15 billion in revenue, yet it was far from a complete triumph for FIFA. Scandal upon scandal — from Infantino's relationship with U.S. President Trump and Folarin Balogun's overturned red card to exorbitant ticket prices and baffling officiating calls — cast a shadow over the sport's grandest stage.
Infantino dismissed the backlash in a bizarre Instagram post, accusing critics of "spreading hate" and urging them to instead "reflect, meditate or pray." The 56-year-old's refusal to take responsibility sparked yet another round of outrage, and Tebas, never one to hold back, was quick to respond.
"Today, Gianni Infantino has written a pathetic message on his Instagram account and on the accounts of FIFA," the La Liga president posted on X.
"No one disputes that football is emotion and unity. But transparency, good governance, and accountability are never hate; they are an obligation. Strong institutions do not discredit those who ask questions; they answer the questions.
"And a reflection, Gianni: when a leader dedicates an entire message to disqualifying those who exercise legitimate scrutiny, it's inevitable to wonder ... why precisely now? Is there something that explains such a defensive tone? Is something happening that we don't know about?"
Tebas Calls for Infantino to Resign
Tebas's blistering rebuke arrives just one week after the Spaniard demanded that Infantino vacate the FIFA presidency, following sustained scrutiny stemming from the 2026 World Cup.
"In my opinion, yes, I think [Infantino's] time is up," Tebas told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "However, he has the support of the system, of the federations, so there's not much more to add, is there?
"There's no opposition candidate; nobody wants to stand just to lose. This is the system, and it's a system rotten at its core. He shouldn't stay, but the current state of affairs means he won't leave.
"These past few days here in America, I've heard many people who are against Infantino, who disagree with what he's doing. They say it, but then they do nothing. I don't know what's worse, the silence or the complicity, because those who stay silent are perfectly aware of the damage football is suffering."
Tebas also took aim at the possibility of a 64-team World Cup for 2030, currently under consideration by FIFA, arguing it "makes no sense" and stressing the importance of safeguarding players rather than adding an even lengthier tournament to an already congested calendar.
The Irony of Tebas's Scathing Opinions
If there is one figure in football who relishes a social media outburst, it is Tebas himself. The La Liga president has built a reputation for airing his views online, frequently targeting Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez.
He also habitually deflects criticism and digs in on his positions, failing to accept responsibility even when proven wrong. Tebas is a man driven by emotion — not entirely different from Infantino himself.
Despite widespread concern from Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid regarding the standard of Spanish refereeing, Tebas dismisses any suggestion that his officials fall short. Yet of 104 matches played at this summer's World Cup, only one La Liga referee was appointed as a main official.
It is also well known that Tebas has unconditionally defended Barcelona in the Negreira case, publicly insisting the club never bribed referees despite a formal investigation still actively ongoing.
Suddenly, Tebas urging Infantino to "not disqualify those who exercise legitimate scrutiny" carries a heavy dose of irony.