On August 19, 2026, the football world learned of the dismissal of FIFA's deputy secretary general (often referred to as the number 3 in the organization). In a statement released after his departure, the former operations chief thanked his colleagues and offered several pointed remarks about the current situation within the international federation, without ever mentioning President Gianni Infantino by name.
The ousted official, whose identity has been confirmed by multiple sources, expressed gratitude for the teamwork and dedication of his former colleagues. However, he also hinted at internal tensions, saying that "the institution must remain above personal interests" and that "transparency and respect for the rules are essential for the credibility of football's governing body."
Neither FIFA nor Infantino has publicly commented on the dismissal. The move comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the organization's governance, though no specific reason for the termination has been officially provided. The former official's statement has been interpreted by analysts as a veiled critique of the current leadership.
This incident adds to a series of leadership changes at FIFA in recent years, reflecting the ongoing challenges the organization faces in maintaining trust and stability. As of now, no successor has been announced, and the former deputy's future plans remain unknown.
