A scandal that shakes FIFA
Norwegian football chief Lise Klaveness has publicly denounced FIFA’s decision to dismiss senior official Kevin Lamour, describing the move as an example of "management by fear" within the sport’s governing body.
In a July 31 statement, Lamour disclosed that the proposed $20 billion sale of World Cup revenues was not a collective FIFA initiative but a personal project of President Gianni Infantino, and that he had been subjected to intimidation after raising concerns.
The scheme, backed by a $4.2 billion investment from investor Joshua Kushner, sought to acquire a 20 percent stake in a new FIFA commercial arm and promised a $20 million payout to each of the organization’s 211 member federations.
Continental backlash and FIFA’s response
The proposal sparked immediate resistance from continental bodies including UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF, whose opposition effectively halted the plan. Following a meeting in Morocco, FIFA issued an apology for procedural errors and reaffirmed its confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
Klaveness further alleged that FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström had pressured Infantino into terminating Lamour rather than permitting his resignation, framing the episode as part of a broader governance crisis that could jeopardize Infantino’s previously unopposed re‑election.