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FIFA Dismisses French Official Lamour After Criticizing President Infantino
🇦🇷 Argentina /Sports

FIFA Dismisses French Official Lamour After Criticizing President Infantino

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • FIFA announced the dismissal of French operational director Kevin Lamour after he criticized President Gianni Infantino's plan to open international competitions to private capital.
  • Lamour, who served for two years, expressed feeling "deceived" by Infantino's proposal to sell a stake in a new commercial entity for major tournaments.
  • The dismissal follows internal questioning of Infantino's leadership and governance after the plan's failure, with other FIFA officials also voicing concerns.

FIFA has dismissed French operational director Kevin Lamour, citing "careful consideration and great respect" after he publicly questioned President Gianni Infantino's strategy to bring private capital into international football competitions. The organization thanked Lamour for his two years of service and wished him well.

the decision was made after careful consideration and with great respect towards Kevin.

— FIFAIn a statement announcing Lamour's dismissal.

Lamour, 46, was fired three weeks after stating he felt "deceived" by Infantino's plan to sell approximately 20% of a proposed new entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). This entity was intended to manage the commercial and operational aspects of the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments. Infantino ultimately abandoned the FFE plan following significant backlash.

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

— FIFAConcluding the statement on Lamour's departure.

The failed FFE proposal reportedly cost Infantino support for his upcoming bid for a fourth consecutive term as president in March 2027. Lamour's criticism echoed concerns raised by Infantino's top advisor, Carlos Cordeiro, as well as FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and Arsene Wenger, FIFA's chief of global football development.

I felt deceived by Infantino regarding the plan.

— Kevin LamourExpressing his feelings about the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

Lamour had described the FFE plan as a "one-person project," alluding to Infantino, and stated it was time for football leaders to ask the right questions. He acknowledged that challenging the plan might cost him his job, but expressed he would sleep soundly knowing he had spoken his mind. Lamour previously held a position at UEFA before joining FIFA in November 2024, two hierarchical levels below Infantino.

If that means I lose my job, so be it. I will understand and respect that decision. At least I will sleep soundly tonight.

— Kevin LamourReflecting on the potential consequences of his criticism of Infantino's plan.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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