FIFA has fired its chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, after he publicly criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposed plan to privatize the World Cup. The governing body confirmed Lamour's departure, stating his working relationship with FIFA ended on August 17, 2026.
Lamour had voiced strong opposition to a private equity investment scheme that would have created a $20 billion subsidiary to manage the World Cup. This plan faced significant opposition from the global soccer community, with over half of FIFA's 211 member nations reportedly against it. Lamour, who had worked with Infantino at UEFA, stated in July, "Our mission ... is to serve football. Not to serve the personal interests of a person who, unfortunately, believes he embodies FIFA when he is supposed to be at its service." He added that he understood and respected the potential consequences of his statements, even if it meant losing his job.
The controversial privatization plan, which involved a firm run by Josh Kushner, aimed to raise $4.2 billion through a subsidiary named FIFA Forward Enterprise, based on an equity valuation of $20 billion. The proposal drew significant backlash, with Norway's soccer federation formally calling for Infantino's resignation. UEFA, European soccer's governing body, reportedly threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions if the plan was approved. Federations from North America and Asia also voiced opposition, leading to the plan's eventual withdrawal.
In a recent meeting in Morocco, FIFA reaffirmed its support for Infantino, who is up for reelection in March. The organization acknowledged "mistakes" were made in the handling of the private equity proposal. Lamour was reportedly absent from this meeting. Lamour's dismissal adds to a series of controversies surrounding Infantino's leadership. Reports also emerged recently alleging an undisclosed relationship between Infantino and a junior employee during his time as UEFA secretary general, including claims of her promotion and a subsequent payoff. Additionally, Infantino reportedly sought assistance from the Trump administration to secure support from member nations amid calls for his resignation.
FIFA confirmed Lamour's departure in a statement, thanking him for his service. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom also communicated the decision to staff, emphasizing it was made with "great respect for Kevin, both personally and professionally."