FIFA Officials Slam Infantino’s World Cup Sell-Off Plan

According to the Associated Press, FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour stated on Friday that staff were deceived by president Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private equity funds. Lamour suggested the $20 billion commercial subsidiary project must not go ahead, defending his colleagues amid intense fallout from the proposal.

Internal Revolt and High-Level Resignations at FIFA

The pushback against Gianni Infantino’s commercial strategy expanded sharply when senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned from his post. According to the Associated Press, Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker and former U.S. Soccer Federation president, urged other senior FIFA staff to speak out against the plan. Cordeiro stated that he had no involvement in the proposal and opposed it unequivocally, calling the $20 billion commercial subsidiary a bad deal for football. The initiative involves spinning off FIFA’s commercial businesses into a subsidiary with 20% owned by private investors, specifically a New York investment fund created by Joshua Kushner.

Staff Contempt and Governance Concerns

Kevin Lamour wrote in a statement to the Associated Press that staff were deceived by Infantino’s lack of openness over recent months. According to Lamour, employees deserve better than contempt and intimidation regarding a project he described as belonging to just one person. Lamour, who has served as chief operating officer since 2024, did not resign his post but indicated he was prepared to lose his job over the stance. The French official noted that the time has come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.

Broader Opposition From Regional Bodies

Resistance to the proposal extends beyond internal staff departures. European nations have agreed to boycott the World Cup and all other FIFA competitions in protest of Gianni Infantino’s plan to bring private equity investors into soccer’s biggest tournament. Additionally, North America’s soccer body rejected the proposal. Meanwhile, according to the Associated Press, FIFA member federations in Africa and Asia are currently weighing their own decisions regarding offers of $20 million each tied to a Sept. 19 deadline.

Financial Justification Under Scrutiny

Critics of the subsidiary model question the necessity of raising $4.2 billion by selling a permanent stake in football’s most valuable asset. Carlos Cordeiro pointed out that FIFA already possesses extraordinary financial resources and billions in reserves. Selling a portion of future profits to private equity funds amounts to mortgaging football’s future without compelling justification, according to statements reported by the Associated Press. Infantino, who has led FIFA for more than 10-years, faces a Nov. 18 deadline for potential challengers to come forward ahead of a scheduled presidential election next March.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kevin Lamour?

Kevin Lamour is FIFA’s chief operating officer, a post he has held since 2024. He is a long-time colleague of Gianni Infantino who previously worked as an aide to then-UEFA president Michel Platini.

What is Gianni Infantino’s World Cup plan?

According to the Associated Press, the proposal involves spinning off FIFA’s commercial businesses—including World Cups and Club World Cups for men and women—into a $20 billion commercial subsidiary, with 20% owned by private equity investors.

Why did Carlos Cordeiro resign?

Carlos Cordeiro resigned as Gianni Infantino’s senior adviser because he opposed the plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private equity, stating he had no involvement in the proposal and calling it a bad deal for football.