Sandor Csanyi, the president of the Hungarian football federation and a Fifa vice-president, has sent a strongly worded letter to Gianni Infantino, stating he has lost confidence in the Fifa president's leadership. The letter, first obtained by the news agency Agence France-Presse, criticises Infantino's “professional judgment, ethical standards and leadership.”
Csanyi Cites Kevin Lamour Dismissal as Final Straw
In the letter dated Tuesday, Csanyi describes the “unexpected dismissal” of Fifa's chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, as the “final straw” that led him to withdraw his support. Lamour was sacked by Fifa on Monday after breaking ranks last month by criticising Infantino over an aborted plan to sell off shares in the World Cup to private investors.
Csanyi wrote: “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. The final straw was the unexpected dismissal of Kevin Lamour.”
Growing Opposition Among Fifa Vice-Presidents
Csanyi's letter continues a trend of senior global football figures deserting Infantino. He is the fifth of Fifa's eight vice-presidents to call for the president to stand down. The Uefa president, Aleksander Ceferin, Victor Montagliani of Concacaf, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa of the Asian Football Confederation, and Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt have all made their positions clear.
Only three vice-presidents are still supporting Infantino: Alejandro Domínguez of South America's Conmebol, Patrick Motsepe of the Confederation of African Football, and Oceania's Lambert Maltock.
Csanyi Cites Controversial World Cup Decisions
The letter also cited “a number of controversial decisions” at this year's World Cup, including Infantino's involvement in “plans to outsource Fifa competitions and place them in the hands of external parties.” Csanyi is also a member of the 37-strong Fifa council, which is theoretically its main decision-making body, but has been repeatedly overlooked by Infantino according to the report.
Csanyi's public criticism adds to the mounting pressure on Infantino, as the number of senior Fifa officials opposing his leadership continues to grow.
