Kevin Lamour puts FIFA role at risk with outspoken criticism of Gianni Infantino

Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s executive director of operations, has publicly accused the organisation of deceiving its employees over Gianni Infantino’s plan to open a World Cup-related commercial company to private investors.

Lamour, a long-standing colleague of Infantino from their time at UEFA and FIFA, said staff had been “deceived” and “deserved better than contempt and intimidation” in comments reported by the Associated Press on Friday.

The French official, who has held his current position since 2024, described the proposal as a “one-man project” and called on football’s leaders to “ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions”.

Despite his criticism, Lamour has not resigned. He said he felt a responsibility towards his colleagues at FIFA, but accepted that speaking out could cost him his job.

“If that means I lose my job, so be it. I will understand and respect that decision. At least I will sleep well tonight,” he said.

Lamour’s intervention comes as opposition in Europe grows to Infantino’s plans for a new company named FIFA Forward Enterprise. The proposed business would bring together FIFA’s commercial activities and the organisation of its tournaments, while allowing private investors to acquire a minority stake.

FIFA has placed a potential valuation of about $20bn on the company. It could raise as much as $4.2bn by selling a minority share to investors.

The governing body has insisted that it would retain control of the business, as well as responsibility for sporting decisions and the governance of its competitions.

However, the proposal has faced resistance from figures within European football, with concerns focused on the prospect of selling an investment stake linked to the World Cup.

The dispute was further intensified by the resignation of American Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino. Cordeiro stepped down in opposition to the project.

British finance minister John Healey has also said FIFA’s plans are “falling apart”. He said he was proud of leading the campaign by the English Football Association and UEFA against the sale of a stake connected to the World Cup.

Lamour’s comments represent a significant public challenge to Infantino from within FIFA. The two men have worked together at both UEFA and FIFA, making the criticism particularly notable as the organisation considers how to structure the proposed commercial venture.

Although Lamour stopped short of leaving his post, his remarks make clear the depth of internal disagreement over the investment plan. He said he was prepared to accept the consequences of his position, including dismissal, while continuing to act in what he considered to be the interests of FIFA employees.