Kevin Lamour, the chief operating officer of FIFA, has been dismissed after publicly opposing Gianni Infantino’s unsuccessful proposal to sell stakes in World Cup-related assets to private investors.
The departure marks a major development within football’s troubled global governing organisation. Lamour leaves less than two years after arriving from UEFA. He strongly objected to Infantino’s FFE initiative, claiming the administration had been misled and accusing the president of acting as though he represented the organisation itself rather than serving it.
Lamour had acknowledged that challenging the proposal could cost him his position. The plan was abandoned only hours after he voiced his objections on 31 July. In a statement, he said he was prepared to accept and respect such an outcome, adding that he would at least be able to sleep with a clear conscience.
The exact reasons and circumstances behind the dismissal remain uncertain. However, secretary general Mattias Grafström notified employees by email that Lamour would be leaving the organisation.
A spokesperson confirmed that the professional relationship between the organisation and Lamour ended on 17 August 2026. The statement thanked him for two years of service, wished him well for the future and said no additional remarks would be provided.
In comments believed to have accelerated his exit, Lamour argued that his colleagues deserved more respect instead of intimidation and dismissive treatment. He said employees wanted to feel proud of their workplace but suggested that many could no longer do so. That same day, senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in opposition to Infantino’s plans.
Before taking up his latest role, Lamour served as UEFA’s deputy secretary general, having first joined the European governing organisation in 2007. His exit is particularly notable because of his long professional association with Infantino, including their time working together at UEFA. Infantino remains under intense pressure following the collapse of the proposal, while attempts to remove him continue.
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