FIFA has ended the employment of its Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, weeks after he publicly criticised President Gianni Infantino’s controversial plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup.
Lamour’s departure was confirmed on August 17, 2026, with FIFA informing staff that its working relationship with the senior official had ended.
FIFA thanked him for his two years of service but did not publicly provide a reason for the decision. Reports, however, say his dismissal came shortly after he spoke out against Infantino’s proposed commercial plan.
The proposal involved creating a new commercial entity and selling a minority stake to private investors, with the plan reportedly aimed at raising billions of dollars. It attracted strong opposition from several football bodies and senior FIFA officials.
Lamour was one of the most senior figures within FIFA to publicly challenge the proposal. He criticised the lack of transparency surrounding the plan and accused the organisation’s leadership of failing to properly involve staff in the decision-making process.
The proposal was eventually withdrawn after facing widespread resistance from football stakeholders. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf were among the bodies that expressed concerns about the direction of FIFA under Infantino.
Lamour, who previously worked alongside Infantino at UEFA, had reportedly acknowledged that his criticism could put his position at FIFA at risk.
His departure has now intensified questions about the internal tensions within world football’s governing body.
His exit also follows the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, an adviser to Infantino who opposed the commercial proposal.
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FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström informed council members about Lamour’s departure, saying the decision had been taken after “careful consideration” and with respect for the outgoing executive. The organisation has not directly linked the dismissal to Lamour’s criticism.
The development comes at a difficult time for Infantino, who is facing growing opposition ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for 2027.
