Full Breakdown
Infantino Faces Growing Withdrawal of Support After Failed World Cup Privatization Plan
8/19/2026, 8:58:57 PM
Core Event: National Associations Pull Their Votes
Israel’s football federation announced it is withdrawing its letter of support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, conveyed in a letter from Shino Moshe Zuares, chairman of the Israel Football Association. The English Football Association and the Scottish Football Association have taken similar steps. English FA chief executive Richard Masters confirmed the FA will not back Infantino’s re-election, and Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell also declared a no-vote at the upcoming FIFA Congress. These withdrawals come less than a year before the FIFA presidential election, tightening Infantino’s margin of support among the 211 member associations.
Background & Context: The Aborted FIFA Forward Enterprise
In early 2026 Infantino unveiled the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a commercial vehicle intended to manage World Cup commercial and ticketing rights, proposing a 21 % stake sale to a private investment firm. UEFA and several regional confederations opposed the scheme, citing conflicts with FIFA’s not-for-profit status. After intense backlash, the FFE proposal was shelved in late July 2026, triggering resignations and dismissals within FIFA’s senior management.
Data & Statistics: Timeline of Key Developments
- 31 July 2026 – Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer, warned he would accept dismissal to protect his principles.
- 17 August 2026 – FIFA confirmed Lamour’s employment ended on this date.
These dates mark the rapid escalation from internal dissent to the termination of a senior executive.
Official Statements & Responses
- Shino Moshe Zuares wrote that recent developments have created “an unprecedented crisis of trust” between UEFA’s vision and FIFA’s management of world soccer.
- A FIFA spokesperson confirmed Lamour’s departure, thanked him for two years of service and declined further comment.
Criticism & Opposition
- Lise Klaveness, head of the Football Association of Norway, called the treatment of dissenting staff “unacceptable… management by fear.”
- Richard Masters urged an “emerging unity candidate” with a reform agenda for FIFA and the president’s role.
- Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, resigned in protest of the privatization plan.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now he is thrown out and we are supposed to move on. It’s unacceptable, it’s management by fear,” — Lise Klaveness
- “This is a problem of Fifa’s making,” — Richard Masters
- “Fifa can confirm that the working relationship between Fifa and Kevin Lamour as Fifa’s chief operating officer has ended on 17 August 2026. Fifa thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future. No further comment will be made on the matter.” — Fifa spokesperson
What’s Next
Infantino is expected to seek re-election at the FIFA Congress next year. The loss of backing from Israel, England and Scotland, combined with senior-staff departures, suggests his campaign will face heightened scrutiny and potential challenges from reform-oriented candidates.
