Kevin Lamour's criticism follows resignation of senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro as opposition mounts against controversial proposal
Category: Politics
In a dramatic escalation within FIFA, Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour publicly accused President Gianni Infantino of deceiving staff over his controversial plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors. On July 31, 2026, Lamour stated that the proposal, which aims to create a $20 billion subsidiary known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise, must not proceed.
Lamour's statement, shared with the Associated Press, comes in the aftermath of mounting opposition to Infantino's proposal, which has been met with fierce backlash from various football confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF. These organizations have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if the plan moves forward.
In his statement, Lamour emphasized that FIFA staff "deserve more than contempt and intimidation" and criticized Infantino's lack of transparency in planning the sale. He described the project as "the project of one person" and called for football leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make informed decisions. "Not only must this project not go ahead, but the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions," he said.
The criticism from Lamour marks a notable departure from the loyalty typically exhibited by FIFA executives, especially considering his close working relationship with Infantino, dating back to their time at UEFA. Lamour joined FIFA as COO in 2024 after serving as Deputy General Secretary at UEFA and has been an integral part of Infantino's administration.
Hours before Lamour's statement, Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino's senior adviser and a former president of U.S. Soccer, announced his resignation in protest of the plan. Cordeiro, who has been with FIFA since 2021, stated, "I cannot stand by as FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup." He criticized the proposal as a "bad deal for FIFA's member associations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of the game." Cordeiro also expressed concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the proposal, questioning the motivations behind selling a stake in an asset that generates substantial revenue.
Infantino's plan involves spinning off FIFA’s commercial operations, including the World Cup, into the newly proposed subsidiary, which would allocate 20 percent ownership to private investors. The initiative has drawn scrutiny, particularly as FIFA reportedly sits on billions in reserves and has no debt. Cordeiro pointed out that FIFA generated $15 billion in revenue over the last four years tied to the recently concluded men’s World Cup, questioning why the organization would need to sell a permanent stake in its most valuable asset.
The backlash against Infantino's proposal is not isolated. It reflects a growing concern among football stakeholders about governance and transparency within FIFA. UEFA has taken a strong stance against the plan, with its members unanimously voting to boycott all FIFA tournaments if the proposal remains on the table. Similarly, the AFC and CONCACAF have publicly rejected the initiative, indicating a united front against what they view as an ill-conceived strategy.
Infantino, who has was FIFA president for over a decade, had previously been expected to be re-elected unopposed in the upcoming March 2027 election. The recent upheaval, including Cordeiro's resignation and Lamour's public rebuke, has raised questions about his ability to maintain support within FIFA's ranks. The mounting pressure may lead to a reevaluation of his leadership as confederations seek alternative candidates to challenge him in the upcoming election.
Infantino's proposal has also sparked discussions about the broader implications for the sport. Critics argue that selling a stake in the World Cup could undermine the integrity of the tournament and the values of football. Cordeiro emphasized that decisions of this magnitude should prioritize the interests of the game rather than those looking to profit from it. This sentiment resonates with many in the football community, who fear that such moves could erode the foundation of the sport.
As FIFA faces this internal crisis, the organization has set a September 19 deadline for member federations to decide whether to support the proposed subsidiary. This timeline adds urgency to the situation, as confederations weigh their options in light of the growing dissent. The AFC has called for an urgent review of FIFA's governance and decision-making processes, echoing the concerns raised by Cordeiro and Lamour.
Looking ahead, the potential for a FIFA World Cup boycott is a serious consideration that could have far-reaching consequences for the sport. The fact that such discussions have entered public discourse signals a shift in the balance of power within FIFA, with confederations willing to take a stand against the president's plans. UEFA and other confederations are actively exploring candidates to run against Infantino, indicating a readiness for change.
As the situation continues to evolve, the football community remains watchful. The next few months will be decisive, as FIFA navigates the fallout from the proposed sell-off and the internal divisions it has sparked. The voices of dissent, led by Lamour and Cordeiro, may serve as a rallying point for those advocating for transparency and accountability within the organization. The upcoming FIFA elections in March 2027 will likely be a focal point for these discussions, as stakeholders push for a governance model that prioritizes the sport's integrity over individual interests.
In the coming weeks, FIFA must address the concerns raised by its own officials and the broader football community. Failure to do so could jeopardize Infantino's presidency and the future of the World Cup and the sport itself.