FIFA has parted ways with Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, days after he publicly criticised President Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell a stake in the governing body’s World Cup commercial rights business to private investors. FIFA confirmed that Lamour’s working relationship with the organisation ended on August 17.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström informed staff of the decision by email, saying the organisation and Lamour had “agreed to part ways” following discussions. FIFA thanked Lamour for his two years of service and wished him well.
Lamour had emerged as one of the senior FIFA officials to openly challenge Infantino’s proposal, which involved creating a commercial entity and offering a 20 per cent stake to private equity investors. The plan, reportedly valued at around $20 billion, was eventually withdrawn following strong opposition from major football confederations and internal criticism.
In his criticism, Lamour described the initiative as “the project of one person” and accused FIFA staff of being “deceived” over the proposal. He also questioned whether the organisation’s leadership was adequately serving the wider football community.
“If that means I lose my job, then so be it,” Lamour had said, indicating that he was prepared to face consequences for speaking out.
His departure comes amid growing criticism of Infantino’s leadership. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF have accused FIFA of a “fundamental breach of trust” over the handling of the commercial proposal. The controversy has also intensified scrutiny of Infantino ahead of his bid for another term as FIFA president.
Lamour joined FIFA as COO in November 2024 after serving as deputy general secretary at UEFA. His responsibilities included overseeing several key administrative divisions, including finance, legal and compliance, communications, technology and operations.
FIFA has not publicly attributed Lamour’s departure to his criticism of the World Cup commercial plan, describing the separation only as an agreed end to the working relationship.
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