FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, has officially departed from the organization following his public disagreement with President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a stake in FIFA’s tournament business, which includes the prestigious World Cup. The decision to end the working relationship with Lamour was confirmed by FIFA on Monday.
In a statement, a FIFA spokesperson expressed gratitude for Lamour’s two years of service and wished him well in his future endeavors. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom informed staff and Council members about Lamour’s departure through a letter, citing mutual agreement to part ways after recent discussions.
Lamour had criticized the sell-off plan, alleging that FIFA staff had been misled and describing the initiative as solely driven by one individual. His remarks echoed those of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to President Infantino, who had resigned in protest against the proposal, labeling it as detrimental to football.
Having joined FIFA in November 2024, Lamour had been a part of Infantino’s inner circle during the 2016 presidential campaign. His departure marks another development in the ongoing controversy surrounding FIFA’s commercial strategy and leadership decisions.