FIFA fires COO after he criticizes president's business plan

FIFA has terminated the employment of its Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, on August 17, 2026. The decision came just two weeks after Lamour publicly voiced criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial proposal to sell stakes in FIFA tournaments to private investors.

Lamour, who previously served as deputy secretary-general of UEFA, stated that FIFA's core mission is to serve the sport of football, not the personal interests of any single individual. He expressed concern that Infantino views FIFA as his personal property rather than an organization he is meant to lead.

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Our mission is to serve the football and not the interests of a person who, unfortunately, believes that FIFA belongs to him, when he is supposed to be at his service.

His departure follows that of Carlos Cordeiro, a former advisor to Infantino, who resigned over disagreements with the FIFA Forward Enterprise project. The project was subsequently withdrawn on the same day as Cordeiro's resignation. Several confederations, including UEFA, Concacaf, and AFC, had initially rejected the proposal, though Conmebol and OFC later expressed support for Infantino's presidency. CAF remained open to proposals that could increase resources for African football.

A FIFA spokesperson confirmed Lamour's exit, stating, "FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026. FIFA thanks him for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future."

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FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026. FIFA thanks him for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future.