FIFA’s decision to dismiss the senior official who accused Gianni Infantino of misleading staff with his World Cup investment scheme was strongly criticized by Norway soccer president Lise Klaveness on Tuesday. Klaveness urged other leaders within the organization to stand against potentially harmful directives.
The removal of FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, occurred 17 days after he publicly criticized Infantino’s $20 billion private equity initiative, resulting in its termination shortly after. Klaveness condemned Lamour’s dismissal as “unacceptable” and denounced it as a form of “management by fear.”
As a former Norway national team player, Oslo judge, and elected executive committee member at UEFA, Klaveness emphasized the importance of upholding good governance in soccer. Lamour, who had a longstanding professional relationship with Infantino, had raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the failed project.
Lamour’s critique of Infantino’s leadership sparked a crisis within FIFA, leading to backlash from various soccer bodies over a secretive plan to sell future World Cup profits to investors. The proposed $4.2 billion investment aimed to secure a 20% stake in a FIFA commercial venture, with each national member federation offered $20 million.
In response to Lamour’s statements, Klaveness called on soccer leaders worldwide to prioritize the sport’s best interests. She highlighted the necessity of honesty within the organization and praised Lamour for speaking out despite facing consequences.
Regarding Lamour’s departure, Klaveness asserted that it was a forced termination rather than a voluntary resignation, implying external pressure on the decision-makers. While FIFA expressed gratitude for Lamour’s service, Klaveness credited him for halting the controversial project by revealing crucial information to the public.
Infantino, facing internal scrutiny, gathered senior management for a meeting in Morocco, where his presidency received reaffirmed support. Klaveness criticized the atmosphere of fear within FIFA’s leadership and questioned the organization’s commitment to football’s well-being.
Despite the turmoil surrounding Infantino’s presidency, he had been poised for reelection without opposition until the recent controversy emerged. The deadline for potential challengers to enter the election race is set for November 18.