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 share of its tournament assets, including the prestigious World Cup. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed the end of Lamour’s tenure on August 17, 2026, expressing gratitude for his two years of service and wishing him success in his future endeavors. The decision to part ways was mutually agreed upon after discussions between Lamour and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, as reported by Sky News.
Lamour had voiced his concerns about the proposal the previous month, alleging that FIFA staff had been misled and labeling the initiative as the brainchild of a single individual. He emphasized that FIFA’s core mission is to serve football and not the personal agenda of any individual who misguidedly perceives themselves as the embodiment of FIFA rather than its servant.
This development occurred shortly after Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, resigned in protest against the sell-off plan, denouncing it as detrimental to the sport. Lamour had joined FIFA in November 2024, having previously been an integral part of Infantino’s inner circle during the campaign leading to his election as president in 2016.