La Liga president Javier Tebas has launched a scathing criticism of FIFA’s decision-making process, accusing football’s world governing body of prioritising its own interests over the development and welfare of the game.
Tebas made the comments after returning from the United States, where he joined Spanish football officials and club representatives in celebrating Spain’s second FIFA World Cup title, 16 years after their maiden triumph in 2010.
The La Liga chief, who attended events in Los Angeles, Dallas and New York alongside representatives from clubs across Spain, praised the country’s football structure but used the occasion to question FIFA’s handling of several issues during the tournament.
Tebas was among several high-profile figures present at the celebrations, including Barcelona president Joan Laporta and Real Madrid representative Emilio Butragueño, as Spanish football united to mark another historic achievement.
Spain defeated Argentina to lift the 2026 World Cup trophy following Ferran Torres’ sole extra time strike, adding another major honour to a period of sustained success that has also included achievements at youth level and in the women’s game.
The La Liga president believes Spain’s dominance is built on a collective approach involving clubs, academies, La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation rather than depending solely on individual talent.
“The secret is the community effort. From the clubs, with their academies that have been strengthened and carefully managed in recent years. From La Liga, which has become a powerful, high-quality and sustainable competition, and from the federation, which knows how to select and develop talent.”
Javier Tebas, La Liga President
The La Liga president highlighted the influence of national team coach Luis de la Fuente, who has overseen Spain’s rise through different age groups before guiding the senior side to World Cup glory.
“Luis de la Fuente joined the federation in 2013 and has worked with extraordinary young players, starting from the Under-19s and bringing 10 players he coached at youth level to the World Cup-winning team.”
Javier Tebas, Spanish La Liga President
Football often focuses on names, but it is the people who make the difference. He added that: “At every level, Spain has highly qualified individuals working for the benefit of national football.”
Tebas Questions Fifa’s World Cup Decisions
While celebrating Spain’s success, Tebas criticise FIFA by arguing that the global governing body prioritised commercial interests over football considerations.
The 2026 World Cup introduced several major changes, including a four-quarter format during matches and an extended half-time interval during the final, which lasted more than 27 minutes.
Tebas was particularly critical of FIFA’s explanation for additional breaks during matches, claiming some measures were introduced primarily for commercial reasons. “FIFA arranges things as it pleases, for what it wants and for its own interests, certainly not for football,” Tebas said. “If they need a 27-minute half-time break, they will have it. Hydration breaks are a lie. We have them in La Liga, but only when it is genuinely hot.”
Tebas argued that the conditions at several World Cup venues did not justify some of the stoppages introduced during games.
“The stadiums in Dallas, Los Angeles and Atlanta had air conditioning. I had to put on a jumper in the stands. It was a break for advertising,” he added.
Criticism Over FIFA Governance
The La Liga president also referenced the controversy surrounding US forward Folarin Balogun’s suspension during the tournament, using the situation as an example of what he considers a lack of accountability within FIFA. “For me, it is proof that we are governed by an institution that does and decides what it wants, when it wants, following only its own interests,” Tebas said.
He claimed FIFA often makes major decisions without properly consulting other stakeholders in football. “In many cases, it acts to the detriment of football,” he added.
Tebas suggested that the lack of resistance from clubs, leagues and other football bodies allows FIFA to continue operating without significant challenge.
Tebas Calls For Stronger Opposition To FIFA
According to Tebas, changing the system will be difficult because many football organisations either actively support FIFA’s decisions or remain silent. “It is difficult because the system has active accomplices who collaborate with these decisions, and passive accomplices who remain silent and do nothing to stop certain things happening again,” he said.
The Spaniard argued that criticism behind closed doors is not enough to bring meaningful reform. “They criticise the system over coffee at a bar or during private conversations, but then they do nothing to put an end to it,” Tebas stated.
Despite his criticism of FIFA, Tebas maintained that Spain’s World Cup success demonstrates the strength of a sustainable football model built around youth development, financial control and long-term planning.
“Talent development creates quality on the pitch and economic opportunities. You do not win so much at every age group by chance. Everything starts from the grassroots.”
Javier Tebas
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