FIFA announced the departure of Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour on Monday, following his public criticism of President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a share in the organization’s tournament operations, including the prestigious World Cup. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that Lamour’s tenure as Chief Operating Officer ended on August 17, 2026, expressing gratitude for his two years of service and wishing him well in his future endeavors. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom informed staff and Council members of Lamour’s exit in a letter, stating that both parties had mutually agreed to part ways after recent discussions.
Lamour had voiced his opposition to the proposal last month, accusing FIFA staff of being misled and labeling the initiative as the brainchild of a single individual. He emphasized that their primary goal should be to serve football, not the personal agenda of someone who wrongly perceives themselves as the embodiment of FIFA rather than its servant.
Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, had also resigned in protest of the sell-off plan, denouncing it as detrimental to football’s interests. Lamour had joined FIFA in November 2024, previously being part of Infantino’s inner circle during his successful presidential campaign in 2016.
