AP Interview: Klaveness slams Infantino's FIFA for firing top executive
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour was fired after publicly criticizing President Gianni Infantino's $20 billion World Cup commercial spin-off plan, which aimed to sell future World Cup profits to private investors.
- Norway soccer president Lise Klaveness condemned Lamour's removal as "management by fear" and urged FIFA leadership, especially Secretary General Mattias Grafström, to resist orders that harm football's interests.
- Lamour accused Infantino of deceiving FIFA staff about the secretive investment plan, which faced backlash from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF, leading to the project's collapse.
- Following Lamour's firing, FIFA apologized for errors in the plan and claimed remaining senior managers reaffirmed support for Infantino, though critics say a culture of fear now pervades FIFA's leadership.
- The controversy threatens Infantino’s expected unopposed reelection next year, with a November 18 deadline for challengers to enter the FIFA presidential race.
