Story perspectives

Spain’s Liga chief demands Infantino resign over expanded World Cup

7/22/2026

Summary

Tebas Demands Resignation

Javier Tebas, president of Spain's Liga, called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign.
He condemned FIFA’s three-minute hydration breaks and the 27-minute halftime show as commercial moves.
Tebas warned that a 64-team World Cup would damage the football industry and jobs.
He said FIFA’s election system is rotten and that Infantino is expected to be re-elected at the March congress.

Summary

FIFA Extends Halftime

The 2026 World Cup was the first edition to feature 48 teams and was co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA required three-minute hydration breaks each half, even though the Dallas, Los Angeles and Atlanta venues were air-conditioned.
Gianni Infantino traveled more than 65,000 miles between match venues during the tournament.
The final’s halftime lasted 27 minutes—double the usual 15—while spectators wore sweaters despite summer heat.

History

Historical Context

FIFA’s 1998 World Cup in France, overseen by secretary-general Sepp Blatter, introduced a 32-team format and staged 64 matches across ten stadiums from 10 June to 12 July. That expansion set a precedent for later growth, and the tournament will again enlarge to 48 teams for the 2026 edition, reviving debates over commercial pressures.

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Tebas Demands Resignation

Javier Tebas, president of Spain's Liga, called for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to resign.
He condemned FIFA’s three-minute hydration breaks and the 27-minute halftime show as commercial moves.
Tebas warned that a 64-team World Cup would damage the football industry and jobs.
He said FIFA’s election system is rotten and that Infantino is expected to be re-elected at the March congress.

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