Terremoto Fifa, the operational director against Infantino: "I was deceived, this is the project of one person"

A major internal rift has emerged within FIFA following criticism of its proposed private investment initiative, with key figures close to President Gianni Infantino expressing open dissent. Kevin Lamour, FIFA's operations director and long-time collaborator of Infantino, accused the organization’s staff of being misled by a lack of transparency in planning the project. Lamour described the proposal as the personal vision of Infantino alone and called for leaders in football governance to reconsider their decisions regarding the future direction of FIFA. The controversy began earlier this week when Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to Infantino, announced his resignation. He cited concerns over the risks posed by the private investment plan, stating he could no longer remain passive in the face of what he viewed as a threat to football’s future. Now, Lamour has added his voice to the growing opposition, further intensifying pressure on Infantino’s leadership. Lamour made his remarks during an interview with the Associated Press, where he stated that the lack of clarity surrounding the investment strategy had left FIFA employees feeling deceived. According to him, the initiative was driven solely by Infantino’s personal ambitions rather than collective decision-making. Lamour emphasized that the project should not proceed and urged the governing bodies of world football to reflect on the choices they make moving forward. Despite his criticisms, Lamour did not resign from his position. However, he expressed willingness to accept the consequences of his stance, saying he would not hesitate to lose his job if necessary. “If this means I will lose my position, so be it,” he said, adding that he felt responsible for his colleagues at FIFA. He reiterated that the investment plan must be halted and that it is time for political leaders in football to ask the right questions and make the right decisions. The situation has placed Infantino under increasing scrutiny, particularly as the private investment project continues to generate discontent even within FIFA itself. The opposition is not limited to external organizations such as UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF, which have already voiced their concerns. Internal figures who have historically supported Infantino are now openly challenging his approach, signaling a potential shift in power dynamics within the organization. Infantino’s proposed investment strategy aims to modernize FIFA’s financial structure through partnerships with private entities. While the initiative has been presented as a step toward greater efficiency and innovation, critics argue it risks undermining the integrity of the sport and concentrating too much influence in one individual’s hands. The debate over the project has sparked broader discussions about governance, accountability, and the role of private interests in global sports organizations. The involvement of high-profile individuals like Cordeiro and Lamour highlights the depth of the disagreement. Both were once staunch supporters of Infantino, yet both have now taken positions that challenge his leadership. Their departures or public criticisms suggest that the internal cohesion of FIFA is fracturing, raising questions about the stability of Infantino’s tenure. As the controversy unfolds, attention will turn to how Infantino responds to these challenges. His ability to address concerns raised by both internal and external stakeholders will likely determine whether the current crisis escalates into a more profound institutional shakeup. For now, the focus remains on the implications of the investment project and the leadership vacuum it may create within FIFA.