Beleaguered FIFA chief Infantino rids himself of critic Lamour

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed critic Kevin Lamour, who had been in his position for less than two years. Infantino hopes the departure of Lamour does not lead to damaging revelations. Lamour had criticized Infantino over a plan to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, describing it as "the project of one person."

Lamour's resignation came after he refused to sign off on the deal, which had been briefed to five FIFA directors. Another significant resignation was that of Infantino's special advisor Carlos Cordeiro, who criticized the plan as a "bad deal for FIFA's member associations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of the game."

The plan was launched on July 28 and scrapped by Saturday, with FIFA's secretary general Mattias Grafstrom stating that the institution, its mission, and its responsibility towards world football would continue. The decision to dismiss Lamour has divided FIFA's confederations, with UEFA and CONCACAF calling for his dismissal, while the Asian Football Confederation and some of its members have defended him.