La Liga president Javier Tebas has publicly accused FIFA of 'destroying the soccer industry' over the governing body's plans to expand the Club World Cup. The comments were made during a press conference on July 21, 2026, in Madrid, where Tebas argued that the new tournament format would overload players' schedules and devalue domestic competitions.
Tebas specifically criticized FIFA's decision to increase the Club World Cup to 32 teams, starting in 2025, calling it a 'money-driven project' that ignores the welfare of players and the financial stability of national leagues. He cited a study by La Liga claiming that the expanded tournament could lead to a 20% increase in player injuries due to fixture congestion.
FIFA has defended the expanded Club World Cup, stating it will generate significant revenue for global soccer development. However, Tebas warned that the move could trigger legal action from European leagues, who see it as an overreach of FIFA's authority. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between club competitions and international football governance.
