FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, has departed from the organization following his public criticism of President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a portion of its tournament business, which includes the prestigious World Cup. The decision was officially confirmed by FIFA, with a spokesperson announcing the end of Lamour’s two-year tenure as COO on August 17, 2026, thanking him for his service and wishing him well in his future endeavors. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom communicated Lamour’s departure to staff and Council members through a letter, stating that both parties mutually agreed to part ways after recent discussions.
Lamour had expressed discontent with the proposal in the past month, alleging that FIFA staff had been misled and condemning the initiative as the brainchild of a single individual rather than serving the broader interests of football. His sentiments echoed those of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to President Infantino, who had resigned in protest against the plan, labeling it detrimental to the sport. Lamour, who joined FIFA in November 2024 and was previously part of Infantino’s inner circle during the 2016 presidential campaign, is another prominent figure to distance himself from the controversial sell-off strategy.
The developments surrounding Lamour’s departure and the clash over FIFA’s commercial strategy have stirred significant debate within the soccer community, with concerns raised about the potential repercussions of involving private investors in the World Cup. Infantino’s proposal has faced criticism and opposition, with key figures within the organization expressing reservations about its impact on the integrity and values of the sport.