Fifa has confirmed that Kevin Lamour, its chief operating officer, has left the organisation, weeks after he publicly criticised president Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell part of the World Cup to private investors. The termination took effect on 17 August 2026, according to a Fifa spokesperson.
Lamour's dissent and dismissal
Lamour, who had described the sell-off plan as "the project of one person," refused to sign off on the deal, saying the administration had been "deceived" by Infantino. He added that if speaking up meant losing his job, "then so be it. I will understand and respect that decision. At least I'll sleep well tonight."
The proposal was quietly shelved days after Lamour aired his reservations. On Monday night, however, Lamour was handed his P45 and dismissed. "Fifa can confirm that the working relationship between Fifa and Kevin Lamour as Fifa's Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026," said a spokesperson. "Fifa thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future. No further comment will be made on the matter."
Reactions from football officials
Lise Klavness, head of the Norwegian Football Association, criticised the dismissal, calling it "management by fear" and "unacceptable." She described Lamour as the best football administrator she has ever met and called on Fifa leadership and administration "to not submit to orders you know are not in the interests of football."
Her comments were seen as a dig at Swedish Fifa blazer Mattias Grafström, who is understood to have sacked Lamour at Infantino's behest. "Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go," Grafström wrote in an email to staff. "The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue."
For now, the Fifa sackings appear set to continue until morale improves.
