Tevas Calls Al-Khelaifi “a Bad FIFA President” Amid 2027 Election Speculation

La Liga president Javier Tebas has intensified his criticism of Paris Saint-Germain and European Club Association (ECA) chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, declaring he does not view him as the appropriate candidate to assume the presidency of FIFA — even as speculation mounts about Al-Khelaifi’s possible candidacy to succeed Gianni Infantino in the 2027 elections.

FIFA Leadership Suitability Questioned

In remarks highlighted by the French outlet Foot Mercato, Tebas stated he believes Al-Khelaifi would be “a bad president of FIFA,” emphasizing a deep divergence in their respective visions for football administration.

“I think Nasser would be better suited to presiding over Paris Saint-Germain, but he would not be a good FIFA president,” Tebas said. “I do not like the way he views football; he does not operate according to the European model I aspire to.”

Tebas further noted that while Al-Khelaifi heads the ECA — an organization comprising approximately 800 clubs — only a small number of those clubs have any meaningful voice within it. “He is part of this group,” Tebas added, “and he embraces an elitist model with which I do not agree.”

Context of Prior Criticism

Tebas’s comments follow his earlier call for Gianni Infantino to resign from the FIFA presidency. That demand arose in response to Infantino’s controversial proposal to establish a commercial company to sell part of the World Cup tournament rights — a plan later abandoned.

Although Al-Khelaifi’s name has recently been prominently floated as one of the leading potential candidates to replace Infantino — given his support within UEFA and several national federations — close associates have categorically denied any intention on his part to enter the electoral race.

Spokespersons for Al-Khelaifi confirmed that the Paris Saint-Germain president “has no ambition, intention, or interest in assuming the FIFA presidency.” They stressed he will continue supporting global and European football institutions “quietly and constructively,” without engaging in media campaigns or electoral activity.