FIFA vice-president withdraws support for Infantino after 'final straw'

FIFA Vice-President Sandor Csanyi has withdrawn his support for President Gianni Infantino, calling the recent dismissal of Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour the "final straw." Csanyi, who is also the president of the Hungarian Football Federation, stated in a letter to Infantino that Lamour's exit, reportedly prompted by his criticism of Infantino's plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights, revealed "serious shortcomings in professional judgment, ethical standards and leadership."

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The final straw was the unexpected dismissal of Kevin Lamour.

Lamour had previously described the plan as the project of one person and stated that staff had been "deceived." Csanyi praised Lamour's professional and ethical conduct, highlighting his significant contributions to the organization's transparent operations.

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Kevin performed his duties to a high professional and ethical standard and, as a highly competent executive, made a significant contribution to the transparent operation of the organisation.

Csanyi's withdrawal follows similar actions by other high-ranking FIFA officials. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, and CONCACAF President Vittorio Montagliani have also publicly criticized Infantino's conduct. Dejan Savicevic, a FIFA Council member and president of the Football Association of Montenegro, also labeled recent developments "extremely worrying," citing a lack of communication and transparency within FIFA.

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The fact that his dismissal was prompted by his criticism of the above-mentioned initiative, an initiative that you yourself ultimately acknowledged to have been misguided, points to serious shortcomings in professional judgement, ethical standards and leadership.

Montenegro's football association has withdrawn its earlier letter of support for Infantino's candidacy. Savicevic's letter to FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom expressed concerns about governance vulnerabilities at both political and administrative levels within the organization. Israel has also reportedly withdrawn its support for Infantino's re-election, which is scheduled for March, where he is seeking a fourth term.

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The recent developments within FIFA are extremely worrying and have shown serious lack of communication and transparency not only to the member associations … but also to the internal members, FIFA Council included, and structures which should hold the foundations of FIFA.