FIFA has terminated the employment of its chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, following his criticism of president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell the World Cup to private investors. The plan has since been abandoned after widespread backlash.
Lamour's Departure Confirmed
Sky News first reported Lamour's exit. FIFA did not comment on the nature of his departure but issued a statement confirming the end of the working relationship on 17 August 2026. The statement thanked Lamour for his two years of service and wished him well for the future.
A letter from FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom to staff also surfaced, informing them of the decision. Grafstrom said the parting was mutual and made after careful consideration, expressing respect for Lamour both personally and professionally.
Criticism of World Cup Sale Plan
Lamour, who joined FIFA in November 2024, had previously made headlines by stating that he and colleagues were 'deceived' by Infantino's proposal to sell FIFA competitions, including the men's World Cup, to private investors. He described it as 'the project of one person' and suggested the president, in office since 2016, should step down.
In his written comments, Lamour argued that the project must not proceed and that football's political leaders should ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.
