A major rift has opened at the top of world football as Sándor Csányi, a high-ranking FIFA Vice President and Council member, officially withdrew his backing for embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
In a damning letter addressed directly to Infantino on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from Budapest, Csányi, who also heads the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ), declared that Infantino had “lost the confidence I previously placed in you”. Csányi cited the “unexpected dismissal” of former FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour as the “final straw” in a series of questionable leadership decisions.
”The fact that his dismissal was prompted by his criticism of the above-mentioned initiative, an initiative that you yourself ultimately acknowledged to have been misguided, points to serious shortcomings in professional judgment, ethical standards and leadership,” Csányi wrote.
The internal turmoil stems from Infantino’s now-abandoned plan to create a $20 billion commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, which sought to sell up to a 20% stake in World Cup commercial operations to private equity investors through JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Lamour publicly broke ranks with Infantino on August 1, 2026, releasing a statement to The Associated Press asserting that staff had been “deceived” by a lack of transparency. On Monday, August 17, FIFA officially severed ties with Lamour. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström informed internal staff at FIFA headquarters in Zurich that the governing body agreed to part ways with the COO “after careful consideration”.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed on August 18: “The working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as 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”.
Csányi’s decision adds considerable weight to a mounting rebellion led primarily by European football’s governing body, UEFA. On Tuesday, UEFA Vice President Laura McAllister noted that the treatment of Lamour sent a “deeply troubling message to all of us seeking change”.
Other confederation heads from North America (CONCACAF) and Asia (AFC) have previously issued joint statements calling the proposed private equity deal a “fundamental breach of trust”.
While several member associations, including the Israel Football Association have recently revoked their support, Infantino retains backing among key regional blocs. FIFA’s management board reaffirmed support for his presidency following an emergency session.
With the next FIFA Presidential election scheduled for March 2027 and a deadline of November 18, 2026, for candidates to step forward, Infantino’s once-uncontested path to a third full term faces its most severe test yet.
