FIFA Vice-President Sándor Csányi Withdraws Support for Infantino

Hungarian billionaire Sándor Csányi — one of FIFA's eight vice-presidents, a FIFA Council member, and head of the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) — withdrew his backing for Gianni Infantino's re-election in a letter sent Tuesday, Aug 18, telling the FIFA president he had 'lost the confidence I previously placed in you.' Csányi called the 'unexpected dismissal' of COO Kevin Lamour the 'final straw,' writing that it reflected 'serious shortcomings in professional judgement, ethical standards and leadership,' and cited a pattern of 'controversial decisions' around the World Cup including reports Infantino had separately been working to outsource FIFA competitions to external parties. Csányi is by far the most senior FIFA insider yet to break ranks — UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister said Lamour's firing sent a 'deeply troubling message to all of us seeking change.'