Javier Tebas's harsh words against Gianni Infantino may feel justified to some, but a more cautious view warns that such public attacks harm football more than they help. Tebas's claim that Infantino sent a 'pathetic message' and that 'good governance is never hate' risks turning a policy disagreement into a personal feud.
Critics of Tebas's approach argue that football's biggest challenges—like match congestion, player welfare, and global growth—require unity, not division. Infantino, for all his flaws, has pushed for reforms that aim to include more nations in top competitions. Accusing him of poor governance without constructive dialogue could stall progress.
This perspective is shared by officials from smaller football associations who worry that league presidents like Tebas prioritize their own domestic interests over the global game. They point out that FIFA's governance structures, while imperfect, involve member associations from 211 countries. Dismantling trust through public insults may make cooperation harder.
Ultimately, the public spat distracts from substantive issues like fair revenue distribution and player workload. A more diplomatic approach might achieve better results. While accountability is important, the tone and timing of Tebas's attack risk deepening divides rather than building consensus.