Kevin Lamour, FIFA's chief operating officer, has been dismissed from his role weeks after publicly criticizing president Gianni Infantino's now-abandoned proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. FIFA confirmed on August 17, 2026, that Lamour's working relationship with the organization has ended.
A FIFA spokesperson stated, "FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026. FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future. No further comment will be made on the matter."
Lamour, a French-Swiss executive, had previously released a statement asserting that staff had been "deceived" by Infantino regarding the controversial plan. He characterized the proposal as "the project of one person" and expressed that football political leaders needed to "ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions."
Lamour acknowledged that he was prepared to lose his job for speaking out, telling the Associated Press, "If that means I lose my job, then so be it. I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight."
Staff were reportedly informed of Lamour's departure via an email from General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom on Tuesday night. It has been suggested to Daily Mail Sport that Grafstrom, rather than Infantino, delivered the news of Lamour's termination.
Lamour joined FIFA in November 2024. His departure follows that of Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino's senior advisor, who resigned in July, citing opposition to the same sell-off plans.
