FIFA announced that Kevin Lamour, the Chief Operating Officer, has departed from the organization. This move comes after Lamour publicly criticized President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a share in FIFA’s tournament business, including the prestigious World Cup.
A spokesperson from FIFA confirmed the end of Lamour’s role as the Chief Operating Officer on August 17, 2026, expressing gratitude for his two years of service and wishing him well for the future. The spokesperson mentioned that there would be no further comments on the matter.
The departure of Lamour was communicated to FIFA staff and Council members by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom in a letter. It was reported that both parties mutually agreed to part ways following recent discussions.
Lamour had voiced his opposition to the proposal in the past month, accusing FIFA staff of being misled and labeling the plan as the brainchild of an individual. He emphasized that their primary objective should be to serve football and not the personal interests of an individual who perceives himself as the embodiment of FIFA.
Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, also resigned in protest against the proposal, denouncing it as detrimental to football. Lamour had joined FIFA in November 2024 and had previously been associated with Infantino’s inner circle during the campaign for his presidency in 2016.