LaLiga president Javier Tebas has declared Gianni Infantinos time has long since passed, accusing the FIFA chief of destroying the very essence of football as pressure continues to mount over his failed private investment proposal. Infantino has come under increasing scrutiny after abandoning plans to create a commercial subsidiary that would have allowed private investors to buy stakes in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.The FIFA president apologised to member associations this week over how the proposal was handled, but the backlash has intensified, with UEFA, the Football Association and several other governing bodies calling for his resignation.Speaking to French newspaper Le Monde, Tebas said he believes Infantinos leadership has run its course.For me, Gianni Infantinos time has long since passed, he said.Im not saying this because of recent events. I have noticed this style of management for a long time, though everyone else seems to be discovering it only now.Gianni Infantino is not someone who contributes to the growth of football. On the contrary, his projects are destroying the very essence of the sport: the national leagues.Football is not limited to the elite. For me, the Infantino era is over.Tebas also argued that replacing Infantino alone would not be enough, insisting FIFA requires wholesale reform.What remains to be seen is when that will take effect and how the succession will unfold, he added.I hope it is not just a matter of swapping out some people for others, but of a genuine overhaul.Turbulent week continues for InfantinoThe criticism comes during a turbulent week for Infantino, with UEFA confirming a departure payment had been made to a former female employee who is alleged to have been in a relationship with him during his time as UEFA general secretary. Infantino has denied those allegations.Despite FIFA abandoning its investment plans, UEFA has maintained its threat to boycott future World Cups if similar proposals are revived.Tebas believes the controversy is symptomatic of wider governance issues within football.What is happening does not surprise me, he said.What does surprise me is the reaction of many people who remained silent for years.This episode is only the tip of the iceberg of what has been going on within an institution, FIFA, but also more broadly in football, where there are no real governance policies.And the problem is not limited to one person; it is about an entire system.The old system can persist even when the people change. Lets hope things truly change, that a new leader arrives, and that new governance is established at FIFA. Topics Gianni Infantino Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read UEFA boycott remains in place after FIFA stands behind controversial president Gianni Infantino Jon Fisher 6th August, 2026 FIFA backs Infantino in vow over World Cup Ben Miller 5th August, 2026 Luis Figo attacks Gianni Infantino, describing his World Cup sell-off plan as deceitful and cravenly self-interested behaviour Jon Fisher 5th August, 2026 FA withdraw support for FIFA President Infantino as pressure builds Mitch Fretton 3rd August, 2026 Real Madrid issue statement after FIFA U-turn as pressure grows on Gianni Infantino Cian Cheesbrough 2nd August, 2026 BREAKING: UEFA to boycott FIFA World Cup Ben Miller 30th July, 2026
