FIFA COO Lamour Claims Staff Deceived Over Infantino’s World Cup Plan

Senior FIFA executive Kevin Lamour stated that staff were deceived over President Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private equity funds, according to a statement given to The Associated Press on Friday. The dispute centers on Infantino’s proposal to spin off commercial operations into a $20bn subsidiary, triggering high-profile resignations and stark internal division within football’s governing body.

Internal Revolt and Staff Deception Claims at FIFA

FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour defended his colleagues in Zurich, stating that staff were kept in the dark about the World Cup profit sell-off plan over recent months. According to Lamour, workers “deserve better than contempt and intimidation” and were “deceived” by a lack of openness from the FIFA president.

Lamour described the commercial restructure as “the project of one person.” While the executive did not resign from the post he has held since 2024, he acknowledged the personal stakes of speaking out. “And if that means I lose my job then so be it,” Lamour said in his statement to The Associated Press. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”

Senior Adviser Resigns Over Kushner-Backed Investment Proposal

Hours before Lamour’s public statement, senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned from his position. Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker and former US Soccer Federation president who frequently represented FIFA on the White House Task Force for the World Cup, strongly opposed the move.

“I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup,” Cordeiro wrote in his resignation statement. The former banker stated he was excluded from talks regarding the plan, which is backed by a New York investment fund created by Joshua Kushner. Cordeiro labeled the $20bn commercial subsidiary “a bad deal for football” and urged other senior FIFA staff to speak up against the leadership.

Financial Stacks: Reserves Versus Private Equity

Infantino’s proposal aims to spin off FIFA commercial businesses—including men’s and women’s World Cups and Club World Cups—into a $20bn subsidiary. Private investors would own 20 percent of the entity, with Joshua Kushner’s fund serving as the anchor investor.

Cordeiro disputed the necessity of the deal, pointing out FIFA’s existing financial strength. According to Cordeiro, the organization sits on billions of dollars in reserves with no debt, alongside $15bn in revenue generated over the last four-year cycle tied to the recently concluded men’s World Cup. “Selling a permanent stake in football’s most valuable asset to raise $4.2bn makes little sense. It is mortgaging football’s future without any compelling justification,” Cordeiro noted.

Global Federation Pressure and Upcoming Deadlines

The internal conflict coincides with external lobbying efforts involving FIFA member federations. According to reported accounts, federations in Africa and Asia are currently weighing decisions regarding offers of $20m each from Infantino ahead of a September 19 deadline.

Infantino has served as FIFA president for over 10 years and was widely expected to secure re-election unopposed next March. FIFA has established a November 18 deadline for potential challengers to enter the race.

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