FIFA sacks COO Kevin Lamour after criticism of Infantino plan

FIFA ended Kevin Lamour’s employment on 17 August 2026, removing its chief operating officer after he criticised president Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell part of the World Cup to investors. Lamour had held the position for two years.

Lamour was among FIFA’s most senior officials and had worked alongside Infantino for a long period. His departure came after he challenged the proposed investment plan and said FIFA employees had been deceived.

The dispute centres on Infantino’s proposal to offer investors a stake connected to part of the World Cup. Lamour’s criticism placed the future of that proposal at the centre of his exit from football’s world governing body.

FIFA confirmed that its working relationship with Lamour had ended but did not disclose the terms of his departure. The organisation thanked him for his two years of service and expressed its best wishes for his future.

FIFA employees were informed of Lamour’s departure on the night the decision was communicated. No further details were given about the circumstances surrounding the dismissal or the next appointment to the chief operating officer role.

Lamour’s exit marks the removal of a senior executive who had been closely associated with Infantino and who later publicly objected to the president’s World Cup investment strategy. FIFA has not provided additional comment on the disagreement or on the terms of the separation.