Norway’s soccer president, Lise Klaveness, criticized FIFA’s decision to dismiss a senior official who accused Gianni Infantino of misleading staff with his World Cup financial plan. Klaveness expressed concern over the removal of FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, just 17 days after he publicly criticized Infantino’s $20 billion private equity initiative.
Describing Lamour as the “best football administrator” she has encountered, Klaveness voiced her disapproval of the situation, labeling it as “management by fear.” She urged FIFA leaders, particularly secretary general Mattias Grafström, to resist directives that may harm football’s interests.
A former Norway international player and UEFA executive committee member, Klaveness highlighted Lamour’s long-standing association with Infantino, emphasizing the seriousness of Lamour’s critique on Infantino’s leadership. The criticism led to a backlash from major soccer bodies over Infantino’s secretive plan to sell future World Cup profits to investors, prompting Lamour to speak out against the lack of transparency.
Klaveness emphasized that Lamour’s departure was a termination rather than a resignation, suggesting external pressure from top FIFA officials. Despite FIFA’s acknowledgment of Lamour’s service, Klaveness praised his intervention as crucial in halting the controversial project.
Infantino, facing internal turmoil, received support from senior management in a meeting in Morocco, excluding Lamour. Klaveness criticized the management style within FIFA as fostering fear and not serving football’s best interests. The upheaval surrounding Infantino’s financial proposal has cast uncertainty on his potential reelection next year.
Infantino’s leadership is under scrutiny, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments leading up to the upcoming FIFA elections in Morocco.