FIFA operations director denounces Infantino's World Cup project, claims staff were misled

FIFA's Director of Operations, Kevin Lamour, has publicly denounced a private investment initiative for the World Cup, asserting that the organization's administration was deceived. Lamour contends that the project is the brainchild of one person and should not proceed.

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The project that has caused so much controversy and debate is not a FIFA project. Far from it, it is not a FIFA administration project. It is a one-person project.

In a statement to The Associated Press, Lamour declared, "This project that has caused so much controversy and debate is not a FIFA project. Far from it, it is not a FIFA administration project. It is a one-person project." He further alleged that FIFA's vice presidents, council members, confederations, federations, players, leagues, clubs, and fans were not the only ones ignored; the FIFA administration itself was also misled.

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The FIFA administration was also deceived.

Lamour, who previously worked for UEFA and joined FIFA less than two years ago, directed sharp criticism at FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He called for respect for the organization's employees, stating they "deserve better than contempt and intimidation." Lamour expressed that the mission of FIFA's dedicated staff is to serve football, not the personal interests of an individual who mistakenly believes they embody FIFA. He acknowledged that speaking out might cost him his job but insisted he would "sleep soundly."

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This project should not only not go forward, for obvious reasons that do not even need to be listed here, but it is time for the football politicians to ask the right questions and make the right decisions.

His statements follow the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, an advisor to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who disagreed with the proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup, deeming it "detrimental" to football. Lamour's critique highlights a significant internal rift regarding the direction and governance of FIFA under Infantino's leadership, emphasizing a perceived lack of trust, transparency, and good governance.

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Our mission, the mission of the hundreds of FIFA employees, passionate, dedicated and exemplary, is to serve football. Not to serve the personal interests of one person who, unfortunately, believes they embody FIFA when they are supposed to be at its service.