FIFA Crisis Deepens as Vice President Withdraws Support for Infantino
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Sandor Csanyi, a FIFA vice president and head of the Hungarian Football Federation, has withdrawn his support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- Csanyi cited "political interests" and Infantino's "secret" plan to open FIFA to private investors as reasons for his loss of confidence.
- The unexpected dismissal of Kevin Lamour, FIFA's third-highest-ranking official, was the final catalyst for Csanyi's decision.
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, faces mounting pressure as Sandor Csanyi, a key vice president and the head of the Hungarian Football Federation, announced he is withdrawing his support. Csanyi's decision marks a significant shift within the international football governing body, further isolating Infantino amidst ongoing criticism.
In a letter addressed to Infantino, Csanyi stated he had "lost the confidence previously placed" in the FIFA president. He pointed to decisions that he believes serve "political interests rather than those of football," specifically mentioning actions taken during the 2026 World Cup. Furthermore, Csanyi criticized Infantino's plan to open FIFA to private investors, a project he claims was conducted "in secret, without informing the FIFA Council."
Csanyi identified the "unexpected dismissal of Kevin Lamour," FIFA's Director of Operations and a senior figure overseeing key administrative sectors, as the "last straw." Lamour, who had been a vocal critic of Infantino's investor plan, had previously warned that it was "a project of one person" and that "the time has now come for the leaders of the world of football to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions."
Lamour's departure from his role, where he managed critical areas like legal affairs, communication, and personnel, was announced by FIFA on Monday. His position as the No. 3 official within the organization meant his criticism carried significant weight. Infantino, who is seeking re-election in March 2027, now confronts a growing internal dissent that could impact his leadership.
La goutte d'eau qui a fait dรฉborder le vase a รฉtรฉ le licenciement inattendu de Kevin Lamour
Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.