Kevin Lamour, FIFA's Chief Operating Officer, publicly called out President Gianni Infantino over the controversial plan to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial entity. The project was officially scrapped a day later.
Tensions within FIFA have escalated, culminating in public criticism of President Gianni Infantino by his longtime associate. Kevin Lamour, the world football governing body's Chief Operating Officer, accused Infantino on Friday of having "deceived" staff with a plan to open a commercial entity linked to the World Cup to private investors.
Lamour, who has held the position since 2024, told the Associated Press that employees "deserve better than contempt and intimidation." He described the plan as "a one-man project" and urged football leaders to "ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions."
Despite the sharp criticism, the French official did not resign. Goal.com reports that Lamour "feels a sense of responsibility towards his colleagues in the world governing body." His message was clear and personal.
"And if that means I lose my job, so be it. I will understand and respect that decision. At least I will sleep peacefully tonight."
Lamour's statements came amid growing European opposition to Infantino's plan. FIFA had proposed establishing a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would consolidate the governing body's commercial operations and tournament organization while opening a stake to private investors.
According to information from Goal.com, FIFA valued the new company at around $20 billion, with the potential to generate up to $4.2 billion from the sale of a minority stake. The governing body confirmed it would retain control over the company, sporting decisions, and the management of its competitions.
The crisis has already claimed one resignation. Carlos Cordeiro, a prominent advisor to Gianni Infantino, stepped down from his position in opposition to the project. British Finance Minister John Healey said FIFA's plans were "falling apart," expressing pride that the English Football Association and UEFA are leading the campaign against the sale of a stake linked to the World Cup.
Just a day after Lamour's criticism, FIFA officially scrapped the development of the Forward Enterprise project. According to a report from Ultimas Noticias, the institution's president confirmed that the proposal would not proceed after assessing the impact and the views of the associations and confederations that make up the football ecosystem.
In a statement carried by Ultimas Noticias, FIFA said: "Having carefully listened to all opinions, it became clear that the project created divisions that no longer serve the interest of the intended goal."
Infantino announced next steps: "Going forward, my intention is to bring all stakeholders together again in the coming days and weeks with a spirit of common interest for our game and with the aim of continuing to grow football everywhere."
This event represents a significant internal upheaval at FIFA, headquartered in Zurich, and comes against the backdrop of Gianni Infantino's ten-year tenure at the helm of the organization, during which, as Le Figaro writes, FIFA has multiplied its revenues and expanded the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams.
