La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to step down, escalating a bitter feud that now threatens to drag crypto sponsors into the fray. The conflict pits the $9 billion World Cup machine against league officials who say FIFA's expansion plans are squeezing domestic football.
Tebas takes aim at Infantino
Tebas went public with his demand for Infantino's resignation this week, arguing that FIFA's leadership is out of touch with the needs of national leagues. The World Cup generates $9 billion, but Tebas claims the money isn't flowing back to grassroots. He's been a vocal critic of FIFA's push for a biennial World Cup and an expanded Club World Cup, moves he says will overload players and devalue domestic competitions. The timing isn't great for Infantino — the next men's World Cup is just months away, and the sport is still sorting out its post-pandemic finances.
Crypto partners in the middle
Kraken, which sponsors La Liga, is among the crypto companies caught in the crossfire. The exchange's branding appears on matchday broadcasts and digital assets tied to the league. But the facts are clear: crypto partners, including Kraken's sponsorship, are now stuck between two warring football giants. The exact impact on these deals remains unclear, but the tension adds another layer of uncertainty for crypto firms already navigating a tough regulatory environment. Other crypto sponsors in La Liga or FIFA's orbit could face similar pressure if the dispute escalates.
What's at stake for football
At the heart of the fight is the $9 billion World Cup — FIFA's cash cow. Tebas and other league officials worry that an expanded World Cup and more club competitions will overload players and devalue domestic leagues. La Liga, along with other European leagues, has been pushing back against FIFA's calendar changes. Infantino has defended the expansion as a way to grow the game globally, especially in underserved markets. But the revenue split remains a sticking point: leagues want a bigger share of the pie.
Next moves
Infantino has not responded publicly to the resignation call. The football calendar for 2026 and beyond is still being negotiated, with FIFA's council set to meet later this year. Tebas's move could rally other league presidents to take a stand, or it could backfire if FIFA's member associations close ranks. The question now is whether other major leagues will back Tebas's call — and whether crypto sponsors will start picking sides.
