Fifa's chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, has strongly criticized President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in football competitions to private investors, calling it "the project of one person." Lamour's statement on Friday intensified scrutiny of Infantino's proposal, which has faced increasing opposition from football confederations and advisors.
In a statement released to the Associated Press, Lamour indicated that it was time for football leaders to "ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions." He emphasized the organization's mission to serve football and stated that a president should unite and inspire, but "today, we are experiencing the opposite." Lamour acknowledged his duty of loyalty but also to "certain values" and his colleagues, adding, "If that means I lose my job, then so be it. I will understand and respect that decision. At least I'll sleep well tonight."
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) joined counterparts in Europe and North, Central America, and the Caribbean in speaking out against the plans. The AFC stated that Infantino's proposal could not "realistically achieve the necessary broad consensus and unity required to move forward." The confederation added that the Fifa World Cup "derives its strength from the participation of all Confederations and the world's leading football nations," and any plan risking its "unity and universal character must be reconsidered."
Adding to the dissent, Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino on global strategy and governance, resigned from his position. Cordeiro described the proposal as "a bad deal for football" that would "mortgage football's future."
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham also voiced strong opposition, calling Infantino's plan an "outrageous suggestion." Burnham stated that the fact the proposal was even considered indicates Infantino is "the wrong man to lead the organisation."
With opposition from UEFA (55 votes), Concacaf (35 votes), and the AFC (46 votes), Infantino's plan is unlikely to gain the required simple majority of Fifa's 211 member nations if put to a vote. These three confederations alone represent 136 votes, suggesting significant opposition to the investment proposal.