FIFA president Gianni Infantino was once again called to task following a scathing statement made by the governing body’s chief operating officer regarding his plans to sell shares in competitions to private individuals.
In his statement to Associated Press, Kevin Lamour, termed the plan “the project of one person,” and urged “the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.”
The long statement did not name Gianni Infantino in its contents, per BBC Sport.
This statement comes after a third confederation has expressed their disapproval for the plans, an advisor to Infantino resigns from his post, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham describes the Swiss president as “the wrong man” to head the governing body.
US President Donald Trump, who for the first time made a statement about the plans, stated that he has not spoken to Infantino regarding the matter at all.
He and Infantino have developed a close relationship since Trump began his second term as US president in 2025.
Kevin Lamour in his statement stated, “Our mission – the mission of the hundreds of passionate, dedicated, and exemplary Fifa employees – is to serve football.”
“A president must bring people together, unite them, and inspire them. Today, we are experiencing the opposite.”
Lamour acknowledged he had a duty of loyalty to his employer but also to “certain values” and supporting his colleagues.
“If that means I lose my job, then so be it,” he added. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”
