FIFA’s decision to dismiss the high-ranking official who accused Gianni Infantino of misleading staff regarding his World Cup financial plan has drawn criticism from Norway soccer president Lise Klaveness. 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 scheme, which was subsequently abandoned. Klaveness expressed her disapproval in an interview, labeling Lamour as “the finest football administrator I have ever encountered” and condemning his abrupt dismissal as “unacceptable” and indicative of a management style based on fear.
As a former Norway national player, Oslo judge, and elected executive committee member at UEFA, Klaveness emphasized the importance of FIFA leadership resisting directives that do not align with football’s best interests, singling out FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström.
Infantino, who previously enjoyed a solid reputation in global soccer governance, faced heightened scrutiny following Lamour’s public denouncement of his leadership. The controversy stemmed from a secretive proposal to sell future World Cup revenues to investors, triggering backlash from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF.
Lamour’s statement on July 31 highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding Infantino’s failed initiative and called for better treatment of FIFA staff, concluding with a willingness to accept the consequences, even if it meant losing his job. Klaveness clarified that Lamour was terminated rather than resigning, indicating that the decision was likely influenced by external pressures.
In response to Lamour’s intervention, FIFA acknowledged his service and wished him well in future endeavors. Klaveness commended Lamour for exposing the flawed project and emphasizing the importance of transparency within the organization.
Infantino convened a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, excluding Lamour, where senior management expressed their continued support for his presidency. Klaveness criticized the atmosphere of fear within FIFA, asserting that it does not serve the best interests of football.
Prior to the controversy surrounding the “FIFA Forward Enterprise” proposal, Infantino appeared poised for uncontested reelection next year in Morocco. The deadline for potential challengers to enter the election is set for November 18.
