FIFA dismisses operations director who opposed World Cup privatization

Kevin Lamour, FIFA's Director of Operations, has been dismissed from his post after publicly opposing the privatization of the World Cup. The French executive had voiced strong objections to a plan championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to open the tournament to private investors, a move also reportedly backed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

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The working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour, in his capacity as Director of Operations, ended on August 17, 2026.

L'Équipe reported Lamour's dismissal, which FIFA confirmed, stating that his working relationship with the organization ended on August 17, 2026. A FIFA spokesperson thanked Lamour for his two years of service and wished him future success. Lamour joined FIFA less than two years ago and had been critical of Infantino's project, calling it a plan that served "personal interests."

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FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him much success for the future.

In July, Lamour had openly criticized the privatization initiative, stating, "It is one person's project... it should not go forward." He previously served as an executive at UEFA and was a close associate of former UEFA President Michel Platini. Lamour had acknowledged that even if he lost his job at FIFA, he could at least sleep "soundly."

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It is one person's project... it should not go forward.

Lamour's opposition stemmed from his belief that a leader should unite and inspire people, contrasting this with what he perceived as Infantino's actions. His dismissal raises questions about internal dissent within FIFA regarding its strategic direction and commercial ventures.

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A president must bring people together, unite them and inspire them. Today we are experiencing the opposite.