FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, has parted ways with the organization after publicly criticizing President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a share in its tournament business, which includes the prestigious World Cup. The separation was confirmed by FIFA on Monday, with a spokesperson expressing gratitude for Lamour’s two years of service and wishing him well in his future endeavors.
The decision for Lamour’s departure was reached after discussions between him and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom. Lamour had voiced his disapproval of the proposal, stating that FIFA staff had been misled and describing the initiative as the brainchild of one individual rather than a collective effort to serve the sport of football.
Following Lamour’s dissent, Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to Infantino, also stepped down in protest against the plan, labeling it as detrimental to football. Lamour had joined FIFA in November 2024 and had been part of Infantino’s inner circle during the campaign for his presidency in 2016.
The development comes amidst ongoing controversies surrounding Infantino’s proposal to involve private investors in FIFA’s commercial ventures, particularly the World Cup. The move has sparked backlash within the soccer community, with concerns raised about its impact on the integrity of the sport.
