La Liga chief Tebas attacks Infantino, backs Rodri and warns of Morocco's World Cup final 'power grab'

Javier Tebas, the combative president of La Liga, has launched a blistering attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino, questioned the credentials of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, and warned that Spain risks losing the 2030 World Cup final to Morocco unless football's governing body changes its leadership.

Speaking at the World Football Summit in Madrid on Tuesday, Tebas delivered a characteristically blunt assessment of the game's future, its biggest stars, and the political machinations threatening to overshadow the sport's showpiece events.

Rodri the most deserving of the Ballon d'Or

Asked who deserves to win the Ballon d'Or, Tebas did not hesitate.

“Rodri. It's difficult, but given what he produced at the World Cup, he deserves it.”

Barcelona have publicly backed their young prodigy Yamal for the award, but Tebas dismissed the club's lobbying.

“You have to ask Barcelona. Everyone has their opinion, and my opinion is Rodri.”

He added:

“Everyone does their best in the campaign. Everyone does what they see as most appropriate. Lamine knows how he played. He can say he is the best player. I think Rodri is the best. Everyone is able to assess their own level.”

Yamal has drawn inevitable comparisons with Lionel Messi. Tebas was having none of it.

“He still has a long way to go... At the age of nineteen, he can be bought. We'll see that in five years.”

Mourinho and Real Madrid's channel

On Jose Mourinho, Tebas offered a measured verdict:

“He is developing, like anyone else. He doesn't get much fame, but he still has a long way to go in the league. I believe in that.”

Real Madrid's official channel has repeatedly attacked refereeing decisions this season, and Tebas hit back with typical force.

“It is a desperate attempt to play the victim. He does not just complain about his own situation, but complains about everyone else's situations too. They are wrong. Everything is others' fault and never their own... I can explain why Real Madrid got fewer points, but I won't... Real Madrid can win the league without these speeches that play the victim.”

FIFA's current management came under fire too

Tebas reserved his most scathing words for the leadership of world football's governing body.

“If Infantino continues, it would be a disgrace. It would have been better for football had the United States beaten Belgium, because I am convinced that Infantino will not continue after the Spain disaster. Many federations depend on FIFA's money, otherwise they would lose it.”

He continued:

“There is still time. There must be a candidate by 18 November. If I saw a candidate, I would withdraw my votes from them.”

Morocco and Spain: a battle over the 2030 World Cup final

On the subject of hosting the Champions League final, Tebas revealed:

“Real Madrid did not request it because of their poor relationship with UEFA. I expect they will request it soon, in fact I am almost certain of that.”

Spain and Morocco are locked in a diplomatic tug-of-war to host the 2030 World Cup final, and Tebas weighed in with a warning.

“At the Bernabeu. I support this option. But for the final to be held in Spain, Infantino must not continue in his post. When a member of FIFA and Morocco (Fouzi Lekjaa) makes a statement with this much boldness (Morocco hosting the final), he did not come up with it on his own.”

He concluded:

“Let's not be naive. No one has said he will leave, and he is still an executive member of FIFA (Lekjaa). This is a new slip that adds to the governance problems within FIFA. And as long as Infantino continues, it will be extremely difficult for the final to be held in Spain. In terms of reputation and standing, the leading country in organising this World Cup should have the honour of hosting the final match. We must think carefully: if Infantino continues, let's watch what we will do... The entire situation must be reassessed, and I don't know whether we should withdraw or not.”

With the 2030 tournament looming and the clock ticking on Infantino's presidency, Tebas has made it clear that Spain will not bow to what he sees as FIFA's backroom manoeuvring. Whether his threats amount to more than bluster remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle for football's ultimate prize has already begun, and it is being fought off the pitch as much as on it.

FAQ

Why is Javier Tebas backing Rodri for the Ballon d'Or?

Tebas believes Rodri's performances at the World Cup make him the most deserving candidate, despite Barcelona's campaign for Lamine Yamal.

What is the dispute over the 2030 World Cup final?

Spain and Morocco are both seeking to host the final. Tebas claims Morocco's bid is being backed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and that Spain's chances depend on his departure.

What did Tebas say about Real Madrid's refereeing complaints?

Tebas dismissed them as a 'desperate attempt to play the victim', insisting the club must take responsibility for its own results.

Is Gianni Infantino expected to remain FIFA president?

Tebas says he is convinced Infantino will not continue after the 'Spain disaster', but no official candidate has yet emerged to challenge him.