FIFA Vice President Withdraws Support for Gianni Infantino

One of FIFA’s vice presidents has officially withdrawn his support for President Gianni Infantino, following the controversial dismissal of an internal figure who had levelled sharp criticism.

The FIFA official who withdrew his support is Sandor Csanyi, Vice President and FIFA council member from Hungary. In a letter sent to Infantino on Tuesday (18/9), he stated that Infantino had lost the confidence he had previously placed in him.

“My belief that you are able to continue leading FIFA successfully and effectively… has collapsed,” Csanyi wrote in the letter.

Csanyi’s firm decision was triggered by a series of controversial decisions, particularly Infantino’s now-abandoned plan to involve private investment and hand over World Cup competitions to external parties. However, the peak of the disappointment was the sudden dismissal of FIFA COO Kevin Lamour.

Lamour previously lost his position after breaking ranks with FIFA’s senior directors last month. He issued a strong statement criticising Infantino’s private investment plans for the World Cup.

For Csanyi, Lamour’s dismissal demonstrates serious weaknesses in ethical standards, professional judgement, and Infantino’s leadership.

Pressure on Infantino is mounting further. A day earlier, UEFA Vice President Laura McAllister also condemned the dismissal of Kevin Lamour, saying FIFA’s action sent “a deeply troubling message to all those who want change.”