GENEVA — FIFA Vice President Sandor Csanyi has withdrawn his support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, saying the “unexpected dismissal” of former chief operating officer Kevin Lamour was the final straw in a series of decisions that weakened his confidence in the football governing body’s leadership.
Csanyi, a FIFA Council member and head of the Hungarian Football Federation, conveyed his decision in a letter to Infantino on Tuesday that AFP reviewed Wednesday.
“My conviction that you are capable of continuing to lead Fifa successfully and effectively in accordance with the shared values that previously formed the basis of our cooperation has been undermined,” Csanyi wrote.
He cited several controversial decisions surrounding this year’s World Cup, including plans he said Infantino had been developing to outsource FIFA competitions to external parties.
Lamour’s dismissal followed his public criticism of Infantino last month over a now-abandoned proposal to allow private investment in World Cups. Lamour had broken ranks with senior FIFA directors before issuing a statement criticizing the plan.
Csanyi described Lamour’s removal as the “final straw,” saying it pointed to “serious shortcomings in professional judgement, ethical standards and leadership.”
The Hungarian official’s decision adds to growing criticism of Infantino’s leadership as FIFA prepares for the 2026 World Cup.
UEFA Vice President Laura McAllister also criticized Lamour’s dismissal on Tuesday, saying it sent a “deeply troubling message” to those seeking change within football’s governing institutions.
