Norwegian Soccer Leader Denounces FIFA’s Firing of Executive Who Challenged Infantino’s Plan

Lise Klaveness, president of Norway’s soccer federation, condemned FIFA’s decision to dismiss Kevin Lamour, the organization’s chief operating officer, calling the termination a form of intimidation rather than legitimate management. Lamour was removed late Monday, just 17 days after providing a statement to the Associated Press that detailed how FIFA staff had been misled regarding Infantino’s $20 billion private equity venture.

The ouster represents retaliation against an executive who spoke candidly about governance failures within the world’s largest soccer body, Klaveness said in a telephone interview. She described Lamour as “the best football administrator I have ever met” and characterized his firing as an example of “management by fear” designed to silence dissent within FIFA’s leadership structure.

Lamour’s July 31 statement accused FIFA of deceiving staff about the lack of transparency surrounding a plan to sell future World Cup revenues to investors led by Joshua Kushner. The proposal would have offered $20 million to each of FIFA’s 211 national member federations in exchange for a 20 percent stake in a commercial spinoff entity valued at $4.2 billion.

The secretive initiative sparked immediate opposition from major soccer confederations including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF. Lamour’s public criticism effectively ended the proposal hours after his statement became public, drawing FIFA’s swift response by terminating his employment.

Klaveness, an elected member of UEFA’s executive committee and former international player, urged other soccer administrators to resist directives from FIFA leadership that contradict the sport’s interests. She specifically referenced FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, suggesting he was pressured by President Infantino to authorize the firing.

Lamour had worked alongside Infantino for over a decade, collaborating at UEFA from 2007 to 2015 before joining Infantino’s presidential campaign in 2016. He relocated to FIFA’s Zurich headquarters two years ago to manage major operational responsibilities.

FIFA’s official statement thanked Lamour for his service without acknowledging the circumstances of his departure. Following a management meeting in Rabat, Morocco on August 5 that excluded Lamour, attending executives issued a statement affirming their support for Infantino’s presidency.

The controversy surrounding Infantino’s proposed investment scheme has jeopardized what appeared to be an assured reelection bid. The deadline for challengers to enter the presidential race is November 18, with the election scheduled for next year in Morocco.