FIFA Removes COO Kevin Lamour After Criticizing Infantino's World Cup Investment Plan

FIFA Dismisses COO Over Dispute About World Cup Investment Proposal

FIFA has parted ways with its Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, following his outspoken criticism of President Gianni Infantino's controversial idea to sell parts of the World Cup to private investors.

Tensions Rise Leading to High-Profile Exit

The football governing body confirmed on August 17, 2026, that Lamour's working relationship with FIFA had ended amid a breakdown with Infantino. This came shortly after Lamour publicly condemned the leadership's transparency regarding the disputed plan known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

A FIFA spokesperson said: "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 Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future. No further comment will be made on the matter."

Accusations Surrounding the World Cup Commercialization

Lamour's comments to the Associated Press in late July sparked the fallout. He expressed serious concerns about the FFE project, alleging that staff were misled by Infantino about the full impact of selling stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

"It is the project of one person. Not only must this project not go ahead … but the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions," Lamour stated.

This was taken as a direct challenge to Infantino's control at FIFA headquarters in Zurich. Lamour acknowledged the risks, adding, "If that means I lose my job, then so be it."

The $4.2 Billion Deal That Fell Apart

The core issue was a plan to sell a 20% stake in a new commercial entity set up to manage major events like the World Cup and Club World Cups. The deal valued at around $4.2 billion was abandoned after strong opposition from key football stakeholders worried about losing control over the sport’s flagship competition.

Though the deal collapsed, the internal conflict left lasting damage within FIFA's leadership ranks.

Lamour's Long Career Ends Abruptly

Lamour's departure ends nearly two decades of professional ties with Infantino, starting from their time together at UEFA, where Lamour joined in 2007 and rose to deputy general secretary before moving to FIFA in November 2024.

During his stint as COO, he managed complex relationships and led important infrastructure projects. His exit was announced to FIFA staff by Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom in an internal email, which recognized Lamour's contributions and described the decision as carefully considered.

• Name: Kevin Lamour
• Position: FIFA Chief Operating Officer
• Departure Date: 17 August 2026
• Controversy: Criticism of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) investment plan
• Investment Proposal: Selling 20% stake in new commercial arm managing World Cup and other events
• Deal Value: $4.2 billion
• Previous Roles: UEFA Deputy General Secretary
• Joined FIFA: November 2024