FIFA Staff Revolt Over Infantino's World Cup Sell-Off Plan

FIFA's top operational staff are publicly rebelling against President Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits, with the chief operating officer suggesting the deal is a personal project that should be halted. Kevin Lamour, FIFA's chief operating officer, issued a statement to The Associated Press on Friday, defending his colleagues and implying Infantino should fire him if he disagrees.

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It is the project of one person. Not only must this project not go ahead … but the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.

Lamour stated that staff felt "deceived" by Infantino's lack of transparency in planning the sale and "deserve better than contempt and intimidation." He asserted, "It is the project of one person," and urged football political leaders to "ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions."

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I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup.

His comments followed the resignation of senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker. Cordeiro, who represented FIFA on the White House Task Force for the World Cup, resigned because he was not included in discussions about the plan, which involves a New York investment fund backed by Joshua Kushner. Cordeiro described the proposed $20 billion commercial subsidiary as a "bad deal for football" and stated he "oppose[s] it unequivocally."

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I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally. He called the $20 billion commercial subsidiary “a bad deal for football.”

Lamour, who has held his post since 2024 and previously worked with Infantino at UEFA, said he felt a duty to his colleagues. He acknowledged that speaking out might cost him his job, stating, "And if that means I lose my job then so be it." Lamour has liaised with FIFA member federations in Africa and Asia, who are considering Infantino's offers of $20 million each by a September 19 deadline. Cordeiro, who has extensive experience in banking, emphasized his understanding of the asset's value and the consequences of selling a stake, urging the proposal's rejection.

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And if that means I lose my job then so be it. I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.