One of FIFA’s vice presidents has withdrawn his support from the world football body’s embattled president Gianni Infantino, saying the “unexpected dismissal” of critic Kevin Lamour was the “final straw”.

Frenchman Lamour’s position as chief operating officer had become untenable after he broke ranks with senior FIFA directors last month and issued a scathing statement criticising Infantino over his now-scrapped plan to allow private investment in World Cups.

In a letter seen by AFP on Wednesday, FIFA vice-president and council member Sandor Csanyi of Hungary said Infantino has “lost the confidence I previously placed in you”.

“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,” Csanyi, a billionaire businessman and banker and head of the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ), said in the letter sent to Infantino on Tuesday.

The letter cited “a number of controversial decisions” around this year’s World Cup, including information that Infantino had been working “on plans to outsource FIFA competitions and place them in the hands of external parties”.

“The final straw was the unexpected dismissal of Kevin Lamour,” it said, adding it “points to serious shortcomings in professional judgement, ethical standards and leadership”.

On Tuesday, European football body UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister said FIFA’s dismissal of Lamour sent a “deeply troubling message to all of us seeking change”.

AFP

Galatasaray have turned down a staggering offer from Saudi Arabia for Arsenal transfer target Victor Osimhen.

The Gunners are intent on making further additions to their title-winning squad before the summer transfer window closes.

Despite efforts from Mikel Arteta, Arsenal look set to miss out on Julian Alvarez who remains determined to join Barcelona if he is to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.

Last week, Osimhen emerged as another option on Arsenal’s radar. The Nigeria international has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, admired by Manchester United over the years having come close to joining Chelsea in 2024.

The 27-year-old has just begun his third season in Turkey with Arsenal enquiring into his availability during talks with Galatasaray over possible moves for Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal’s interest is not thought to have progressed any further at this stage with Saudi side Al-Hilal making the biggest move for the striker so far.

The Saudi side have already made a verbal offer of €130million (£112m), ready to pay Osimhen an astronomical €50m (£42.7m) a year. Galatasaray responded by telling Al-Hilal they have no intention of selling their prized asset, but the Saudi side remain undeterred.

According to Türkiye Gazetesi, Al-Hilal have now increased their offer to a huge €150m (£128m). Gala president Dursan Ozebek however has ‘categorically rejected’ the offer, once again informing the Saudi club they are not interested in selling.

The report adds that Osimhen has indicated money is not a priority for him when it comes to deciding his future.

José Mourinho was officially presented as Real Madrid head coach on Tuesday at a private ceremony in the boardroom of Ciudad Real Madrid, marking his return to the club 13 years after his first spell between 2010 and 2013.

According to the club’s official website, president Florentino Pérez welcomed the Portuguese coach, who signed a three-year contract running until June 30, 2029.

Mourinho received a replica of the stadium, a watch and a jersey bearing his name. Honorary president José Martínez Pirri also attended the event.

Speaking after the signing, Mourinho described his return as a deeper emotional experience than his first spell at the club between 2010 and 2013.

“I feel this is a mission. It goes beyond words. I am here to help everyone become better and to create a culture of work, responsibility and ambition. I also want to instil the responsibility and honour of working for Real Madrid,” he said.

He repeatedly stressed his identity with the club and its supporters, saying, “I am a Madridista. I have always been, even since I left… I am one of you, Madridistas.”

In a message directed at the fans, he added: “I am one of you. But not just today; I have always been, since the day I was presented in 2010, the day I left in 2013. I have a fantastic memory of Wembley when we beat Dortmund, and the affection that was shown to me that day. I really am one of you.”

Mourinho also underlined the collective responsibility he expects at the training ground. “I am here to work for Real Madrid. Everyone should follow this way. I want everyone who enters Valdebebas to feel it, that we are working for Real Madrid.”

Fans on social media reacted to quotes shared by journalist Fabrizio Romano on X.

#orskyai wrote, “That Mourinho’s culture of responsibility lasted exactly three seasons at his last four clubs before the inevitable toxicity set in.”

While #E_ustace commented, “Jose is the right man to bring sanity in that dressing room.”

#001Oxygen asked, “You are one of them when you called them cheats?” As #SleeperFooty observed, “He reallyyyyyy hates Barca and Pep now, doesn’t he?” while #itsStrivee predicted, “I’m sure that José Mourinho will be sacked, as always happens.”

Mourinho will now turn his full attention to the start of the LaLiga campaign, with Real Madrid set to face Espanyol on Saturday in their opening league fixture of the season.