Fifa COO Kevin Lamour departs after criticizing Infantino's investor plan

Fifa's Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour departed the organization on August 17, 2026, less than three weeks after publicly criticizing President Gianni Infantino's proposed plan to sell stakes in competitions to private investors.

“

Fifa thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future.

A Fifa spokesperson confirmed the end of Lamour's working relationship, stating, "Fifa thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future." The organization declined to comment on reports suggesting Lamour was dismissed.

Fifa staff were informed of Lamour's exit via an email from Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom. Previously, Lamour had described the now-abandoned Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) plans as "the project of one person." He urged football leaders to "ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions," adding that Fifa's administration had been "deceived" about the project.

“

Fifa can confirm that the working relationship between Fifa and Kevin Lamour as Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026.

Lamour asserted that his mission, along with that of Fifa employees, is to "serve football." He stated, "A president must bring people together, unite them, and inspire them. Today, we are experiencing the opposite." He acknowledged a duty of loyalty but also to "certain values" and supporting colleagues, concluding, "If that means I lose my job, then so be it. I will understand and respect that decision. At least I'll sleep well tonight."

“

the project of one person

Lamour joined Fifa in November 2024, having previously served as deputy general secretary at Uefa. He was positioned two management layers below Infantino. While Infantino received senior executive backing in a recent meeting in Morocco, Lamour was reportedly not invited. Grafstrom informed Fifa Council members that Lamour and Fifa had "agreed to part ways" after "careful consideration and with great respect."

“

the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions