Fifa's Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, has left the organization, according to a statement released by the governing body. His departure on August 17, 2026, comes less than three weeks after he publicly criticized a now-abandoned plan by Fifa President Gianni Infantino to sell stakes in competitions to private investors.
A Fifa spokesperson confirmed Lamour's departure, stating, "Fifa can confirm that the working relationship between Fifa and Kevin Lamour as 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." The organization declined to comment on reports suggesting Lamour had been dismissed.
Staff were informed of Lamour's departure via an email from Fifa's secretary general, Mattias Grafstrom. Last month, Lamour described the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) plans as "the project of one person" and stated that "the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions." He also indicated that Fifa's administration had been "deceived" about the project.
Lamour, who joined Fifa in November 2024, previously served as deputy general secretary at UEFA. He stated that while he had a duty of loyalty to his employer, he also felt a responsibility to "certain values" and to support his colleagues, adding, "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."
In a letter to members of Fifa's Council, Grafstrom wrote, "Following recent discussions, Fifa and our Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour have agreed to part ways. This decision was made after careful consideration and with great respect for Kevin, both personally and professionally… I felt it was important that I personally provide you this update and I would like to express my gratitude to Kevin for these contributions and for his work and commitment on behalf of Fifa on a daily basis. I wish Kevin all the best for the future."
Lamour was not invited to a meeting earlier this month where Infantino received backing from senior executives in Morocco, according to BBC Sport. Lamour has been approached for comment.