FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour Defends Colleagues Amid Controversy Over World Cup Plan
Zurich-based executive Kevin Lamour has defended his colleagues and expressed concerns over President Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private equity funds. In a statement released on Friday, Lamour accused staff of being “deceived” by Infantino’s lack of openness in planning the sale.
Lamour stated that he had been part of Infantino’s inner circle since 2024 and was deeply involved in his presidential election campaign two decades ago. He expressed disappointment over the plan to sell a stake in the World Cup, citing concerns about the financial implications for football.
“It is the project of one person,” Lamour wrote. “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.”
Lamour’s statement came hours after Infantino’s senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker who represented FIFA on the White House Task Force for the World Cup, resigned and urged other senior staff members to speak out. Cordeiro expressed his opposition to the plan, stating that it was “a bad deal for football” and that he had no involvement in the proposal.
Cordeiro’s resignation has sparked a renewed debate over Infantino’s leadership style and the potential consequences of selling stakes in FIFA’s commercial businesses. Lamour defended his colleagues, saying that they were “deserve better than contempt and intimidation.”
“It is not just about the financial implications,” Lamour stated. “It is also about the values and principles that football represents… We must ask ourselves whether this project aligns with our values as a organization.”
Lamour’s comments have been met with skepticism by some, who question his loyalty to Infantino given his recent resignation from the FIFA presidency. However, others have defended Lamour, citing his long-standing involvement in football politics and his commitment to defending the interests of the sport.
As the deadline for challengers to come forward approaches on November 18, Lamour’s comments have highlighted the controversy surrounding Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits. The move has been met with opposition from various stakeholders, including UEFA President Michel Platini and AFC President Aung San Suu Kyi.
The situation remains fluid as FIFA continues to grapple with the implications of its commercial business model. Lamour’s comments have underscored the need for a thorough review of Infantino’s leadership style and the potential consequences of selling stakes in FIFA’s most valuable asset.
Source: Al Jazeera
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
