Sports, August 19 : FIFA has been accused of using a “management by fear” approach after its chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, left the organization just weeks after publicly criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
FIFA confirmed on Monday that Lamour had ended his role after two years, describing the move as the conclusion of his “working relationship” with the world governing body.
However, Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness, a long-standing critic of Infantino, disputed the characterization of Lamour’s departure as a normal exit. She alleged that he was effectively removed from his position.
The dispute stems from FIFA’s commercial plans for the World Cup. In remarks to FIFA staff several weeks ago, Lamour criticized a proposal involving the sale of part of the tournament’s commercial rights.
Lamour reportedly argued that FIFA employees had not been given sufficient information about the important plan and had been left confused about its implications.
He also criticized what he described as a culture of “disrespect and fear,” saying FIFA employees deserved better treatment.
Lamour had indicated that he understood speaking publicly could put his job at risk. His subsequent departure has therefore fueled speculation that his criticism contributed to the end of his tenure.
Klaveness told The Associated Press that Lamour had not voluntarily stepped down.
“He has now been thrown out, and we are being told to move on,” she said, describing the situation as an example of “management by fear.”
The allegations add to scrutiny surrounding Infantino’s leadership and FIFA’s internal decision-making, particularly as the organization continues to expand its commercial operations around the World Cup.
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