Javier Tebas urges Gianni Infantino to clarify if part of breakaway league talks

FIFA president Gianni Infantino must clarify what part he has played in any meetings related to a European Super League, according to LaLiga president Javier Tebas.

The Times published documents about how a new 20-team competition might look last month.

On the same day football’s world governing body and the six continental confederations issued a statement saying such a tournament would not receive official recognition and that any player taking part would be barred from official events such as the World Cup.

It was reported in December 2019 that Infantino had met with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez – understood to be the key mover behind the Super League project – and bosses of other leading clubs, and Tebas says it is important Infantino go on the record about any involvement he has had.

Speaking at the Soccerex Connected online conference, Tebas said: “I have more doubts about the president of FIFA. He should clarify if he has participated in some meetings of this project that I know he has.

“The president of FIFA should clarify if any of these meetings have given explicit support to this type of project.

“The FIFA president must clarify whether the name that appears in code W01 in the documents that have been distributed by those who would be in these projects refers to (Infantino) as everyone believes, not just me.

“This whole situation must be clarified and he as president how FIFA be very clear what is the position of FIFA.”

In addition to FIFA’s statement last month, Infantino also said in October last year that he had no interest in a European Super League.

“As FIFA president, I’m interested in the Club World Cup, not the Super League,” said Infantino.

“For me, it’s not about Bayern Munich against Liverpool, but Bayern against Boca Juniors.”

FIFA has been approached for comment in light of Tebas’ remarks.

Tebas condemned the Super League project, which comes at a time when the future format of the Champions League is being discussed.

“If the European Super League were part of the future then the leagues would have to close,” he said.

“It is ruinous for the national leagues but also for those same clubs (involved) in the very medium term.

“An ecosystem that works very well will end and it would be ruinous for them as well, but that is the delusion of grandeur for some.”