FIFA faces accusations of creating a culture of fear following the sudden removal of Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour this month [1].
The dispute highlights growing internal tension within the global governing body over transparency and the leadership style of President Gianni Infantino [2].
Lise Klaveness, the chief of the Norway Football Association, said the removal of Lamour reflects a broader pattern of "management by fear" within the Zurich-based organization [1], [3]. The accusations follow the departure of Lamour in August 2026 [1], [2].
Lamour was removed weeks after he publicly criticized Infantino regarding a planned World Cup sell-off [1], [2]. Specifically, Lamour accused the FIFA president of deceiving staff members about the details of the plan [2], [4].
Klaveness said the exit of a top executive for voicing criticism suggests that dissent is not tolerated within the organization [3], [4]. This conflict comes as FIFA manages its global operations from its headquarters in Switzerland [1], [3].
While the organization has not provided a detailed public rebuttal to the specific claims of a "fear" culture, the timing of Lamour's exit has drawn scrutiny from international football officials [2], [4].
“FIFA faces accusations of creating a culture of fear.”
The public clash between a high-ranking official like the COO and the FIFA presidency suggests a breakdown in internal governance. By labeling the environment as one of fear, the Norway FA is signaling that FIFA's leadership may be prioritizing loyalty over professional oversight, particularly regarding the financial strategies of the World Cup.
