FIFA COO Lamour says staff deceived over Infantino’s World Cup plan
FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour has publicly criticized President Gianni Infantino regarding a proposal to sell stakes in future World Cup profits. In a statement released to The Associated Press, Lamour claimed that FIFA staff were deceived by a lack of transparency concerning this financial plan. He characterized the project as the initiative of one person rather than the organization, urging football leaders to reconsider the direction of the governing body.
The tension within the organization escalated following the resignation of senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro. Cordeiro, a former banker and president of the US Soccer Federation, expressed his opposition to the proposal, which aims to create a 20 billion dollar subsidiary by selling a 20 percent stake to private equity interests. Cordeiro stated that the move is an unnecessary financial risk given FIFA’s current reserves and lack of debt.
Infantino’s proposal involves selling stakes to a fund managed by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner. The plan has faced significant backlash, with major regional bodies including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC raising concerns or threatening boycotts. Despite the pushback, the proposal is part of a broader shift in how FIFA manages its commercial business, including the Men’s and Women’s World Cup tournaments.
Lamour noted that he expects potential consequences for his comments, including the possibility of his termination. He defended his decision to speak out, citing a duty to his colleagues and a need for accountability at the highest levels of football governance. FIFA faces a September deadline for member federations to decide on financial offers tied to the proposed changes.
The situation remains unstable as the organization approaches a potential presidential election next March. While Infantino has held the presidency for over a decade and appeared to have a clear path to re-election, the current internal discord suggests shifting loyalties among senior officials. Football leaders now face pressure to address these concerns before the September 19 deadline, which could determine the viability of the proposed sell-off.