FIFA COO Kevin Lamour Exits After Criticizing Gianni Infantino
FlatRigor 5815 sources
The Story
FIFA announced that Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour has left the organization, weeks after he publicly criticized Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other tournaments. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed on Monday, August 17, 2026, that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer has ended. FIFA thanked Kevin for his two years of service and wished him luck for the future, stating no further comment would be made. Lamour joined FIFA's senior leadership group in November 2024, having previously been part of the inner circle that campaigned for Infantino’s election as FIFA president in 2016. His responsibilities included overseeing finance, legal and compliance, communications, member associations, technology and operations, and social responsibility across FIFA's offices in Zurich, Paris, and Miami. Lamour had publicly criticized the proposal last month, stating FIFA staff had been deceived over the plan and describing it as the project of one person. He said, "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." Lamour's comments came soon after Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, resigned in protest against the proposal, calling it a bad deal for football. Infantino subsequently withdrew the proposal later the same day. The proposal aimed to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), and sell up to a 20% stake to private equity investors to raise $4.2 billion. The plan faced widespread opposition, with three regional football governing bodies (UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC) calling it a fundamental breach and stating it should not go ahead. The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) also supported the withdrawal of the FFE proposal, emphasizing good governance, transparency, and respect for institutional processes. Human rights organization FairSquare has urged FIFA to rule Gianni Infantino ineligible to seek another term as president, arguing he has already reached the three-term limit set out in the governing body's statutes.
The Spread
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What they agree on
- FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour has left the organization, effective August 17, 2026.
- Lamour's departure follows his public criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup.
- Lamour had described Infantino's proposal as "the project of one person" and stated FIFA staff had been "deceived."
- Infantino's plan to create a $20 billion subsidiary and sell a 20% stake to private equity investors was subsequently abandoned due to widespread opposition.
- Lamour joined FIFA's senior leadership in November 2024 and was part of Infantino's 2016 election campaign.
Where they split
- Le Monde and Sky News explicitly state that Kevin Lamour was "sacked" or "fired" by FIFA, while Reuters and Al Jazeera report that FIFA confirmed his "working relationship... Has ended" or that he "exits," without using the term "sacked."
- Daily Sabah and The Japan Times devote coverage to the human rights organization FairSquare's challenge to Gianni Infantino's eligibility for re-election, arguing he has reached his term limit.
- The National and Press Trust of India focus more on the broader opposition to Infantino's commercial plan from regional football bodies like UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC, and the warning of legal action.