FIFA’s announcement on Monday confirmed the departure of Kevin Lamour, the Chief Operating Officer, from the organization. Lamour had recently voiced opposition to President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a portion of FIFA’s tournament business, which includes the prestigious World Cup.
A FIFA spokesperson stated, “FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026.” The spokesperson expressed gratitude for Lamour’s two years of service and wished him success in his future endeavors. No further comments were provided on the matter.
According to reports from Sky News, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom informed staff and Council members about Lamour’s departure in a letter, indicating that both parties had mutually agreed to part ways following recent discussions.
Lamour had publicly criticized the proposal the previous month, alleging that FIFA staff had been misled and labeling it as the unilateral project of an individual. He emphasized that their primary objective should be to serve football and not the personal agenda of someone who mistakenly perceives themselves as the embodiment of FIFA, when in fact, they should be serving the organization.
The objections raised by Lamour echoed the sentiments of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, who resigned in protest against the proposal, labeling it detrimental to football. Lamour had joined FIFA in November 2024 and was previously associated with Infantino’s inner circle during the campaign for his election as president in 2016.
