Javier: FIFA is destroying the football industry

The president of the Spanish Football League, Javier Tebas, accused the International Federation (FIFA) of "destroying the football industry" after the announcement of discussions on the possibility of holding a World Cup with 64 teams in 2030, in an interview with an Italian sports newspaper last Tuesday. Tebas also considered that the time of FIFA President Gianni Infantino is "over", denouncing in his conversation with "La Gazzetta dello Sport" a "fundamentally flawed system" that has allowed him to lead FIFA for a decade. The president of "La Liga" said: "Increasing the number of teams makes no sense; the football industry is not limited to the World Cup, no matter how important it is. They are destroying the football industry, which provides tens of thousands of jobs, for an event that lasts 40 days and matters only to a minority of players." He added: "We have repeatedly expressed our concerns about the competition calendar. Now they want to organize a World Cup with 64 teams," expressing regret and stressing that "local competitions are what keep this sport alive." Tebas continued: "We need fewer teams and better protection for local football at all levels. They do not realize that and are making decisions irresponsibly." During the opening of the North American World Cup in June, Infantino spoke about "discussions on expanding the tournament to 64 teams" on the occasion of the centenary of the World Cup in 2030, which will be held in several countries (Spain, Portugal, Morocco, in addition to Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina).