FIFA told World Cup expansion plans would kill football as Gianni Infantino left red-faced

FIFA told World Cup expansion plans would kill football as Gianni Infantino left red-faced Plans to potentially expand the World Cup to 64 teams in the future have been heavily criticised with the chief of La Liga now taking aim at Gianni Infantino after this summer's tournament The president of La Liga, Javier Tebas, has accused FIFA and Gianni Infantino of trying to 'destroy football' with their plans to increase the number of teams competing at future World Cups to 64. Spain won the final of this summer's tournament on Sunday, beating Argentina 1-0 in a forgettable final. 48 teams, rather than the usual 32, competed across matches held in the United States, Canada and Mexico as part of expanded format for the first time, but Infantino has already confirmed that adding a further 16 teams will be discussed. However, Tebas has torn into the plans, claiming they make 'no sense' and that moving ahead with them would be irresponsible. “Increasing the number of national teams makes no sense,” Tebas told the Italian outlet, La Gazzetta dello Sport. “The football industry is not just the World Cup, which is the most important event. But not everything can revolve around the World Cup. It is national competitions that support this sport. “They are destroying the football industry, the one that generates tens of thousands of jobs for an event that lasts 40 days and to which the minority of players go. “We need fewer national teams and more protection for national football, at all levels. They don’t realise, they decide irresponsibly.” Tebas went on to question Infantino's position following criticism of political interference at the World Cup from the United States President, Donald Trump. Infantino has been in power for 10 years and is expected to be elected for a fourth term next year. But Tebas wants to see change, even if he believes it is unlikely to happen. “In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up,” he added. “But he has the support of the system, of the federations, there is not much more to add, right? “There is no opposition candidate, no one wants to present themselves to lose. This is the system, and it is a system that is sick at the source. “In these days here in America I have heard many people against Infantino, who do not agree with what he does. They say it, but then they do nothing. “I don’t know if silence or complicity is worse, because those who are silent are perfectly aware of the damage that football is suffering.” Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Shoppers can now upgrade to the Sky smart TV that's 'designed for football' from £6 per month when taken alongside a Sky TV and Netflix package.