FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, has publicly condemned president Gianni Infantino’s plans to sell stakes in competitions to private investors, describing the proposal as “the project of one person”.
In a direct challenge to Infantino’s leadership, Lamour stated that the governing body’s own administration had been “deceived” about the controversial commercial plans.
“A president must bring people together, unite them, and inspire them. Today, we are experiencing the opposite,” Lamour said in a statement released to the Press Association, adding that he was prepared to accept the loss of his job for speaking out.
Growing opposition to Infantino
The internal fallout coincides with mounting external pressure on the FIFA president:
- Confederation Backlash: A third regional confederation publicly voiced opposition to the private investment plans on Friday.
- Resignations: A senior adviser to Infantino resigned from his post amid the growing turmoil.
- Political Pressure: Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham remarked that the Swiss administrator was “the wrong man” to lead world football’s governing body.
- US Response: US President Donald Trump stated he had not discussed the commercial proposals with Infantino, despite the pair maintaining close ties since Trump re-entered office in 2025.
FIFA has been approached for comment regarding Lamour’s statements and the wider pushback against the commercial restructuring.
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