Norway FA President Calls FIFA’s Firing of COO Lamour Unacceptable

Norway Football Association president Lise Klaveness condemned the dismissal of FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour, stating that it reflects a culture of fear within the organization. Lamour was removed from his position late Monday, just 17 days after publicly criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s controversial $20 billion private equity plan aimed at selling future World Cup profits.

In a telephone interview with the Associated Press, Klaveness expressed her disapproval, saying, “Now he is thrown out and we are supposed to move on. It’s unacceptable, it’s management by fear.” She described Lamour as “the best football administrator I have ever met,” and called on FIFA’s leadership to resist orders that could harm football.

Klaveness, also an executive committee member at UEFA and a former international player, took particular aim at FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström, suggesting that the decision to fire Lamour was made under pressure from Infantino. The Norwegian official highlighted the need for FIFA leaders to prioritize the interests of football over damaging internal orders.

Lamour’s relationship with Infantino dates back to their time at UEFA, where they served as senior officials from 2007 to 2015. After assisting Infantino’s presidential campaign in 2016, Lamour transitioned to overseeing FIFA’s operations in Zurich two years ago. His outspoken criticism intensified a crisis for Infantino, especially following backlash from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and Concacaf regarding the secretive profit sale plan, which involved a $4.2 billion investment and a 20% stake in a FIFA commercial venture.

In a statement made to the Associated Press on July 31, Lamour stated that FIFA staff had been “deceived” by Infantino’s lack of transparency and that they “deserve better than contempt and intimidation.” He urged global soccer leaders to “make the right decisions,” 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.”

Klaveness clarified that Lamour’s exit should be viewed as a firing rather than a resignation, suggesting that Grafström acted under pressure from Infantino. FIFA acknowledged Lamour’s contributions, thanking him for his two years of service in a statement.

Klaveness remarked that Lamour’s statement was crucial in halting the controversial project, emphasizing the importance of transparency within FIFA. Following a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on August 5, Infantino’s remaining senior management expressed their full support for his presidency, despite ongoing concerns about the organization’s culture.

Infantino appeared poised for reelection in Morocco next year before the uproar regarding the “FIFA Forward Enterprise” proposal emerged. The nomination deadline for challengers to enter the contest is set for November 18.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn