Javier Tebas Calls for Elimination of FIFA Club World Cup
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has strongly criticized FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup, stating his objective is to eliminate the competition entirely. Tebas believes the tournament disrupts the existing football ecosystem and does not benefit national leagues, particularly those in Europe.
Criticism of the Expanded Format
Tebas voiced his concerns after watching a portion of Chelsea’s 2-0 win over LAFC in the tournament, describing the match as resembling a preseason friendly with a lack of intensity. ESPN reported on his comments made on June 17, 2025.
Financial Concerns and Ecosystem Impact
The LaLiga president argues that the Club World Cup simply redistributes money among the same established clubs and players, offering no real benefit to the broader football community. He emphasizes the need to protect the current ecosystem of national leagues and believes there are no available dates to accommodate the expanded tournament. He stated, “There is no more money in the world of audiovisual rights.”
Historical Context and Previous Format
Tebas suggests reverting to the previous format of the Club World Cup, which was played over a single weekend. The current expanded version, featuring 32 teams and taking place across the United States from June 14 to July 13, is seen as an overreach. La Liga clubs have historically been successful in international competitions, winning 20 UEFA Champions League titles, 14 UEFA Europa League titles, 16 UEFA Super Cup titles, and 8 FIFA Club World Cup titles.
Broader Debate on Club Competitions
This criticism comes amidst a wider discussion about the balance between international and domestic competitions. A Reddit discussion from June 25, 2025, highlighted a sentiment that European leagues like La Liga and the Premier League are often more entertaining and competitive than the Club World Cup.
Current Champions
As of 2025, Barcelona is the current champion of La Liga, having secured their 28th title in the 2024-25 season. Real Madrid holds the record for the most championships with 36 titles.
Tebas remains firm in his position, stating, “My objective is that there will be no more Club World Cups, I’m very clear about that.”