FIFA: "Strong institutions do not discredit those who ask questions" (Javier Tebas, LALIGA)

"Strong institutions do not discredit those who ask questions; they answer them. And one thought, Gianni: when a leader devotes an entire message to discrediting those exercising legitimate scrutiny, it is inevitable to ask… why now? Is there something that explains such a defensive tone? Is something happening that we don’t know about?" Javier Tebas, president of LALIGA, wrote on social media platform X on 27 July 2026.

The Spaniard was reacting to a message published the previous day by FIFA president Gianni Infantino on his Instagram account and on FIFA’s website, in which the Italian-Swiss hit back at criticism surrounding the 2026 World Cup (see “Further reading”).

"Gianni Infantino posted a pathetic message on his Instagram account and on FIFA’s accounts. No one disputes that football is about emotion and unity. But transparency, good governance and the duty to be accountable are never hatred; they are obligations," Javier Tebas added.

The 23^rd edition of the World Cup drew widespread criticism, including from supporters’ groups over ticket prices, from UEFA and the Council of…