FIFA COO Kevin Lamour accuses Infantino of misleading administration
FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour has publicly accused Gianni Infantino of deceiving FIFA’s administration over the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.
FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour has launched a scathing public criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, saying he feels deceived over the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal and claiming the project was driven by one individual rather than FIFA as an institution.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Lamour said the proposal was not a FIFA project or one developed by the organisation’s administration, alleging that FIFA vice-presidents, Council members, confederations, member associations, players, leagues, clubs, fans and even FIFA staff were excluded from the process.
He described the handling of the proposal as a “lie by omission” that reflected a lack of trust, transparency, good governance and respect, insisting the project should not proceed.
Lamour said FIFA employees were being placed in an increasingly difficult position and argued that the organisation exists to serve football rather than the personal interests of any individual.
He added that many staff members no longer felt proud to work for FIFA, claiming colleagues deserved better than contempt and intimidation.
While acknowledging his duty of loyalty to his employer, Lamour said his greater responsibility was to uphold his values and support fellow employees, adding that he was prepared to accept losing his job if speaking out carried consequences.
