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 separation was confirmed by FIFA on Monday, stating that Lamour’s tenure ended on August 17, 2026. FIFA expressed gratitude for Lamour’s two years of service and extended best wishes for his future endeavors without further elaboration.
The departure of Lamour was communicated by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom in a letter to staff and Council members, indicating that both parties mutually agreed to part ways after recent discussions, as reported by Sky News. Lamour had vocally opposed the proposal in the previous month, alleging that FIFA employees had been misled regarding the plan, which he characterized as being driven by one individual’s agenda.
In a statement, Lamour emphasized that their primary objective is to serve football and not to cater to the personal interests of an individual who perceives themselves as the embodiment of FIFA rather than its servant. His critique aligns with the sentiments expressed by Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, who resigned in protest against the sell-off plan, labeling it as detrimental to the sport.
Having joined FIFA in November 2024, Lamour had been part of Infantino’s inner circle during the latter’s successful presidential campaign in 2016. The recent developments within FIFA have sparked controversy and raised concerns within the soccer community, with implications for the future of the World Cup and FIFA’s commercial strategies.