Gianni Infantino: Fifa executive say staff 'deceived' by president's World Cup plans
Fifa president Gianni Infantino is facing internal pressure as his chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, publicly criticized plans to sell stakes in football competitions to private investors. The controversy has drawn condemnation from various football confederations and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Why it matters
The internal revolt at Fifa threatens the leadership of one of the world's most powerful sports organizations and the future of its commercial structure.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Gianni Infantino has been the president of Fifa since February 2016
Fifa president Gianni Infantino's position came under further scrutiny on Friday as the governing body's chief operating officer strongly criticised his plan to sell stakes in competitions to private investors.
In a statement released to the Associated Press, Kevin Lamour described the controversial plans as "the project of one person" and said "the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions".
He added Fifa's own administration was "deceived" about the project. BBC Sport has approached Fifa for comment.
The lengthy statement did not mention Infantino by name.
It came on the same day a third confederation spoke out against the plans, a senior adviser to Infantino resigned, and Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the Swiss was "the wrong man" to lead Fifa.
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