FIFA has officially announced the departure of Kevin Lamour, who served as the Chief Operating Officer, following his public criticism of President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a stake in FIFA’s tournament business, including the prestigious World Cup. The working relationship between FIFA and Lamour ended on August 17, 2026, as confirmed by a FIFA spokesperson. Lamour had expressed discontent with the plan, stating that FIFA staff had been misled and emphasizing that the initiative seemed to reflect the personal agenda of one individual rather than serving the interests of football as a whole.
The decision for Lamour’s departure was reportedly reached mutually after discussions between the parties. FIFA’s Secretary General, Mattias Grafstrom, informed the organization’s staff and Council members about Lamour’s exit through a letter. Lamour, who had been part of Infantino’s inner circle during the latter’s successful presidential campaign in 2016, joined FIFA in November 2024. His departure comes on the heels of another resignation within FIFA, as Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, also stepped down in protest against the proposed stake sale, labeling it as detrimental to football.