FIFA’s decision to dismiss the high-ranking official who accused Gianni Infantino of misleading staff with his World Cup financial plan was condemned by Norway soccer president Lise Klaveness on Tuesday. Klaveness called for leaders at the organization to resist potentially harmful directives.
The removal of FIFA’s chief operating officer Kevin Lamour occurred 17 days after his criticism of Infantino’s $20 billion private equity initiative, which was swiftly halted following his comments. Klaveness expressed dissatisfaction with Lamour’s dismissal, labeling it as “unacceptable” and a form of “management by fear.” She praised Lamour as “the best football administrator I have ever met.”
As a former Norway national player, Oslo judge, and elected executive committee member at UEFA, Klaveness emphasized the importance of upholding good governance in soccer. Lamour had a longstanding professional relationship with Infantino, having worked together at UEFA and during Infantino’s FIFA presidential campaign.
Lamour’s public rebuke of Infantino’s leadership has exacerbated a crisis for the FIFA president, leading to backlash from various soccer bodies over a clandestine plan to sell future World Cup revenues to investors. The $4.2 billion deal aimed to provide each of FIFA’s 211 member federations with a substantial sum, a move that faced strong opposition within the soccer community.
Klaveness highlighted the necessity of Lamour’s disclosure, stating that his remarks were crucial in halting the controversial project. She criticized the handling of Lamour’s departure, suggesting that it was orchestrated under pressure from higher authorities within FIFA.
Following Lamour’s exit, FIFA issued a statement thanking him for his service and wished him well. Klaveness underscored the significance of transparency within FIFA and urged global soccer leaders to make decisions in the best interest of the sport.
Despite internal support for Infantino expressed during a meeting in Morocco, concerns remain over the management culture within FIFA. Klaveness criticized the atmosphere of fear within the organization, emphasizing the need for decisions that prioritize the welfare of football.
Infantino, who was previously expected to run uncontested for reelection, now faces mounting scrutiny over his proposed financial scheme. The deadline for potential challengers to enter the presidential race is November 18.