Tebas backs Rodri for Ballon d’Or and attacks Infantino over 2030 World Cup final

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has backed Rodri to win the Ballon d’Or and launched a strong attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the World Football Summit in Madrid on Tuesday.

Asked about the future of sport, Tebas told AS: “Artificial intelligence is changing everything. There will be more time for entertainment. Of the few events that are truly unforgettable, football and concerts will be the only ones. More time will be dedicated to your health.”

On the Ballon d’Or, Tebas said: “Rodri. It is difficult, but considering what he did at the World Cup, he deserves it.”

He was also asked about Barcelona’s support for Lamine Yamal in the award race.

“You should ask Barcelona,” he said. “Everyone has their opinion, but mine is Rodri. Everyone is doing their best in the campaign. Everyone does what they believe is most appropriate. Lamine knows how he played. He can say he is the best player. I think Rodri is the best. Everyone is capable of assessing their own level.”

Tebas said Yamal still had a considerable distance to cover before comparisons with Lionel Messi could be justified.

“He still has a long way to go,” he said. “At 19, he can be bought. We will see in five years.”

On Jose Mourinho, Tebas added: “He is developing, like everyone else. He does not have a great reputation, but he still has a long way to go in the league. I believe that.”

Tebas criticised Real Madrid’s television channel for its complaints about refereeing, describing them as “a desperate attempt to pretend to be the victim”.

“They do not only complain about their own situation, but about everybody else’s as well,” he said. “They are wrong. Everything is someone else’s fault and never theirs. I could explain why Real Madrid have fewer points, but I will not. Real Madrid can win the league without these speeches in which they pretend to be victims.”

He also criticised FIFA’s current leadership, saying: “If Infantino continues, it will be a disgrace. It would have been better for football if the United States had beaten Belgium, because I am convinced Infantino would not continue after the disaster involving Spain. Many federations depend on FIFA money, otherwise they would lose it.”

“There is still time. There must be a candidate by 18 November. If I saw a candidate, I would withdraw my votes from them.”

Tebas expects Real Madrid to request a Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu despite its poor relationship with UEFA.

“They have not asked for it because of their bad relationship with UEFA,” he said. “I expect them to request it soon; in fact, I am almost certain they will.”

On the dispute between Spain and Morocco over the 2030 World Cup final, Tebas said: “At the Bernabeu. I support that option. But for the final to be held in Spain, Infantino must not remain in his position.”

He added that Fouzi Lekjaa’s public support for Morocco hosting the final was not made independently.

“Let us not be naive,” Tebas said. “No-one has said he will leave, and he is still a FIFA executive committee member. This is another lapse adding to FIFA’s governance problems. As long as Infantino remains, it will be extremely difficult for the final to be held in Spain.”

“From a reputation and status perspective, the leading country in organising this World Cup should host the final. We must think carefully. If Infantino continues, we should watch what we do. The whole situation must be reassessed, and I do not know whether we should withdraw or not.”