UEFA Executive Calls FIFA's Sacking of Lamour 'Deeply Troubling'

The recent termination of Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer, has drawn sharp criticism from UEFA executive Laura McAllister. Lamour’s dismissal followed his public statement alleging that FIFA’s administration had been misled by President Gianni Infantino regarding a plan to sell stakes in the organization’s competitions to private investors.

McAllister, a former Wales captain and a colleague of Lamour’s from his time at UEFA, described his sacking as “deeply troubling.” She lauded Lamour as an “honourable and exemplary sports leader” and a “brave advocate for the values that should underpin all we do as custodians of our game.”

Lamour’s statement, released just over two weeks before his dismissal, characterized the investment scheme as “the project of one person.” FIFA ultimately abandoned the plan on August 1st, the day after Lamour’s public comments. This incident adds to a growing rift between FIFA and several confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and Concacaf, who have accused FIFA and Infantino of deception.

UEFA has publicly stated its loss of confidence in Infantino, labeling the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) a “shabby, back room, opaque deal.” Furthermore, the Football Associations of England, Wales, the Republic of Ireland, and Scotland have withdrawn their support for Infantino and will not back his re-election as president.

McAllister emphasized that Lamour’s dismissal “seriously weakens FIFA’s administration” and undermines efforts to shift the organization’s culture towards sporting values over purely commercial interests. She stressed the need for “strong, principled, independent leaders” within world football, and lamented that Lamour’s sacking sends a discouraging message to those seeking reform.

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