Norway soccer president Lise Klaveness criticized FIFA for dismissing a senior official who spoke out against Gianni Infantino’s World Cup sell-off plan. Klaveness expressed her disapproval, calling Lamour’s removal “unacceptable” and highlighting concerns about a culture of fear within the organization.
Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer, was fired shortly after his public criticism of Infantino’s $20 billion private equity project. Klaveness praised Lamour as an outstanding football administrator and urged FIFA leaders, particularly secretary general Mattias Grafström, to resist orders that could harm the sport.
As a former Norway international player and a respected figure in European soccer governance, Klaveness emphasized the importance of upholding football’s best interests. Lamour, who had a long history working alongside Infantino, faced repercussions for his vocal opposition to the controversial World Cup profit-sharing scheme.
Lamour’s statements, in which he accused Infantino of deception and lack of transparency, added to the ongoing crisis surrounding the FIFA president. The proposed deal to sell future World Cup revenues to investors sparked backlash from various soccer bodies, including UEFA and CONCACAF.
Klaveness underscored the significance of Lamour’s intervention in halting the project and criticized his dismissal as a result of pressure from higher authorities within FIFA. Despite Lamour’s departure, FIFA acknowledged his service and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Infantino, facing internal turmoil within the organization, convened a meeting in Morocco without Lamour present to address the situation. Despite internal support expressed at the meeting, concerns lingered about a culture of fear and the impact on football’s best interests.
The controversy surrounding Infantino’s governance has raised doubts about his unopposed reelection prospects next year. As the deadline for potential challengers approaches, the fallout from the failed profit-sharing plan continues to cast a shadow over FIFA’s leadership.