FIFA’s decision to dismiss the top official who accused Gianni Infantino of misleading staff with his World Cup investment proposal has sparked criticism from Norway soccer president Lise Klaveness. Klaveness expressed her disapproval of the firing of FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, labeling it as “unacceptable” and a form of “management by fear.”
Describing Lamour as “the best football administrator” she has encountered, Klaveness urged FIFA leaders to resist detrimental directives, particularly directing her message towards FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström. Klaveness, a former Norway international player and an executive committee member at UEFA, emphasized the importance of upholding good governance in soccer.
The removal of Lamour, a longtime associate of Infantino, has further exacerbated a crisis for the FIFA president. Lamour’s critique of Infantino’s leadership, which led to the abandonment of a $20 billion private equity project, triggered backlash from various soccer bodies. The proposal involved selling future World Cup revenues to investors, prompting concerns and disapproval from key soccer organizations.
Lamour’s statement highlighted the lack of transparency in Infantino’s dealings, stating that FIFA staff deserved better treatment. Klaveness asserted that Lamour’s intervention was crucial in halting the controversial project and shedding light on the situation within FIFA. Despite Lamour’s departure being framed as a resignation by FIFA, Klaveness insisted it was a forced termination orchestrated under pressure from higher authorities.
Following the incident, Infantino convened a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, with senior management, excluding Lamour. The meeting aimed to address the issues raised and reaffirm support for Infantino’s presidency. Klaveness criticized the approach, labeling it as a “management of fear” that does not serve the best interests of football.
Infantino, who was previously expected to secure a re-election unopposed, now faces uncertainty as the deadline for potential challengers to enter the race approaches. The fallout from the failed investment plan has cast a shadow over his leadership, prompting scrutiny and calls for a more transparent and accountable governance structure within FIFA.