LaLiga President Criticizes New FIFA Club World Cup Format

Javier Tebas, LaLiga president, expressed harsh criticism of the new FIFA Club World Cup format that will be held in the United States.

“It is completely absurd. It’s not just about the physical wear on players which is obvious, but the Club World Cup model affects the entire ecosystem of national leagues, especially in Europe,” Tebas said in a Cadena Cope radio interview.

The tournament scheduled for June 14 to July 13, 2025, will feature 32 teams — with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid as the two Spanish representatives.

The quarter-final schedule set for July 4-5 could potentially disrupt LaLiga preparations which begin mid-August. Tebas emphasized — decisions about delaying the competition start for both Madrid clubs will be made according to the situation.

The LaLiga president also criticized FIFA for not consulting with national leagues regarding this quadrennial tournament — similar to when they moved the 2022 World Cup to winter and expanded the 2026 World Cup format to 48 teams.