FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, has parted ways with the organization after publicly expressing disapproval of President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a stake in FIFA’s tournament business, which includes the prestigious World Cup. The separation was confirmed by a FIFA spokesperson who acknowledged Lamour’s departure on August 17, 2026, thanking him for his two years of service and extending best wishes for his future endeavors. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom communicated Lamour’s exit to staff and Council members through a letter on Monday, citing a mutual agreement to part ways following discussions.
Lamour, who had been critical of the proposal, voiced concerns about the lack of transparency in the decision-making process, emphasizing that FIFA’s primary objective should be to serve football and not the personal agenda of any individual within the organization. His comments came shortly after another key figure, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned in protest against the sell-off plan, referring to it as detrimental to the sport.
Having joined FIFA in November 2024, Lamour was previously associated with Infantino’s inner circle during the 2016 presidential campaign. The departure of Lamour and the resignation of Cordeiro signal ongoing internal turmoil within FIFA over the controversial proposal to involve private investors in FIFA’s commercial ventures, particularly regarding the World Cup.