FIFA President Infantino Faces Growing Opposition After Sacking Critic

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing intensified opposition and a "crisis of confidence" following the dismissal of his chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, who had openly criticized a controversial World Cup sell-off plan. Lamour's departure has been described as "deeply troubling" by UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister, who believes it sends a negative message to those seeking change within the organization.

Adding to the pressure, Israel has officially withdrawn its support for Infantino's re-election, citing the "unprecedented crisis of confidence." The Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters, has also stated that Infantino "pressed the self-destruct button" with the World Cup sell-off plan, which has been abandoned. Despite these setbacks, an ally of Infantino insists the president still commands the backing of most football associations.