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 decision to end Lamour’s role was confirmed by a FIFA spokesperson, thanking him for his two years of service and wishing him well in his future endeavors.
The departure was communicated to FIFA staff and Council members by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, indicating that both parties had mutually agreed to part ways after recent discussions. Lamour had openly expressed his disapproval of the proposal, stating that FIFA staff had been misled and describing the initiative as the brainchild of one individual. He emphasized the primary mission of serving football and not personal interests, questioning the individual’s belief that they embody FIFA instead of serving it.
Lamour’s critique coincided with the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to President Infantino, who also opposed the World Cup sell-off plan, labeling it as detrimental to football. Lamour had joined FIFA in November 2024, previously being associated with Infantino’s inner circle during the campaign for his presidency in 2016.