FIFA’s decision to dismiss the senior official who accused Gianni Infantino of misleading staff with his World Cup financial scheme has been strongly criticized by Norway soccer president Lise Klaveness. Klaveness described the removal of FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour as unacceptable and criticized the leadership for what she perceived as a management style based on fear.
Lamour’s departure came shortly after he publicly condemned Infantino’s $20 billion private equity plan, leading to its swift termination. Klaveness expressed her support for Lamour, calling him the best football administrator she has ever encountered and urged FIFA officials not to comply with directives that are not in the best interest of football, particularly mentioning FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström.
As a former Norway international player, a judge in Oslo, and a member of UEFA’s executive committee, Klaveness has upheld her country’s reputation for promoting good governance in soccer. Lamour, who has a long history working alongside Infantino, raised serious concerns about the FIFA president’s leadership, prompting backlash from various soccer bodies over a secretive proposal to sell future World Cup revenues to external investors.
Lamour’s public statement highlighted the lack of transparency in Infantino’s dealings and emphasized the need for better treatment of FIFA staff. Klaveness emphasized that Lamour’s remarks were crucial in halting the controversial project and criticized his dismissal as a result of pressure from FIFA leadership.
Following Lamour’s exit, FIFA issued a statement thanking him for his service and wishing him well in his future endeavors. Klaveness emphasized the importance of Lamour’s actions in revealing the truth behind the failed project and reiterated the need for transparency within the organization.
Infantino convened a meeting in Morocco without Lamour, where senior management expressed their support for his presidency despite the controversy. Klaveness raised concerns about the culture of fear within FIFA and questioned whether the current leadership was acting in the best interests of football.
Before the upheaval caused by the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, Infantino appeared poised for re-election without opposition next year. However, the deadline for potential challengers to enter the race is set for November 18.
