FIFA Removes COO Kevin Lamour After He Criticizes Infantino's World Cup Investment Plan
FIFA has parted ways with its Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, following his outspoken opposition to President Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to offer stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
Internal Conflict Leads to High-Profile Departure
The leadership at FIFA faced turmoil as Lamour exited his role after a breakdown in his working relationship with Infantino. This move was officially confirmed on August 17, 2026, weeks after Lamour publicly criticized the organization's leadership for lacking transparency.
The dispute focused on the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, which intended to change how the World Cup is funded and managed.
A FIFA spokesperson stated: "FIFA confirms that the working relationship with Kevin Lamour as Chief Operating Officer ended on August 17, 2026. We thank Kevin for his two years of service and wish him well. No further comments will be made."
Claims of Deception Regarding World Cup Plans
The controversy erupted after Lamour spoke to the Associated Press in late July, expressing serious concerns about the FFE project. He alleged that Infantino misled FIFA staff about the deal’s true impact.
Lamour argued that employees were deceived about the plan, which would have allowed private investment stakes in the World Cup.
"It is the project of one person. Not only must this project not go ahead, but football political leaders need to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions," Lamour told the AP.
These statements challenged Infantino’s authority directly, creating an untenable situation within FIFA’s executive team. Lamour accepted the risk involved, adding, "If that means I lose my job, then so be it."
The $4.2 Billion Deal That Fell Apart
The core of the conflict was a significant financial proposal that would have reshaped football’s global governance. In July, FIFA revealed plans to sell a 20 percent stake in a new commercial entity managing major tournaments including the World Cups and Club World Cups.
This minority stake sale to private investors was met with strong resistance from many within the sport, concerned about losing control over football’s flagship event. Ultimately, the deal was scrapped but the internal divisions lingered.
A Long Career Ends in Discord
Kevin Lamour had a long history in football administration, having worked with Infantino at UEFA where he served as deputy general secretary before moving to FIFA in November 2024.
He was recognized for handling complex relationships and delivering key infrastructure projects during his time as COO. His departure marks the end of a professional partnership spanning nearly twenty years between the two men across UEFA and FIFA.
The final decision was shared internally by Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom in an email, highlighting the careful consideration behind the move and thanking Lamour for his contributions to daily operations.
