One of FIFA’s vice presidents, Sandor Csanyi, has withdrawn his support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying the “unexpected dismissal” of senior executive Kevin Lamour was the “final straw”.
Csanyi, a Hungarian billionaire businessman, banker and president of the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ), said Infantino had lost the confidence he previously placed in him.
Lamour, a Frenchman who served as FIFA’s chief operating officer, had come under scrutiny after breaking ranks with senior FIFA directors and publicly criticising Infantino over his now-abandoned plan to allow private investment in World Cups.
In a letter seen by AFP on Wednesday and sent to Infantino on Tuesday, Csanyi said his confidence in the FIFA president’s ability to continue leading the organisation had been undermined.
“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.
The FIFA vice president cited what he described as “a number of controversial decisions” surrounding this year’s World Cup.
He also referred to information that Infantino had been working “on plans to outsource FIFA competitions and place them in the hands of external parties”.
“The final straw was the unexpected dismissal of Kevin Lamour,” Csanyi said, adding that the decision “points to serious shortcomings in professional judgement, ethical standards and leadership”.
Lamour’s dismissal has intensified criticism of Infantino’s leadership from within European football.
On Tuesday, UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister also criticised the decision, saying FIFA’s dismissal of Lamour sent a “deeply troubling message” to those seeking change within football’s governing structures.
The latest development represents a significant challenge to Infantino’s leadership ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as concerns continue to emerge over FIFA’s governance, commercial plans and decision-making processes.
Csanyi’s withdrawal of support is particularly notable given his position on the FIFA Council and his leadership of Hungary’s football federation.
The criticism comes after Infantino faced opposition over proposals involving private investment in World Cup competitions. Although those plans have since been scrapped, the controversy has contributed to growing scrutiny of the FIFA president’s leadership.
