FIFA has sacked chief operating officer Kevin Lamour after he publicly criticized president Gianni Infantino over a plan to sell World Cup rights.
The governing body confirmed to The Guardian that its employment relationship with Lamour ended on August 17, 2026. FIFA thanked the official for his two years of service, adding that it would offer no further comment on the matter.
The dismissal followed a major dispute over Infantino's proposal to sell rights to organize FIFA's largest tournaments, led by the World Cup, to private investors. Infantino backed down from the project after several weeks of pressure from European governing body UEFA and other groups, but significant discontent remained within the organization.
Public criticism of Infantino
Lamour officially spoke out against the scheme at the end of July, describing it as a one-person project that should not be carried out. He urged football's political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make appropriate decisions regarding the administration of the sport.
The Frenchman added that in his view FIFA staff were being deceived by Infantino and deserved more than contempt and intimidation. Lamour stressed at the time that if his statements cost him his job, he would accept and respect the decision because he would at least sleep peacefully.
Slightly over two weeks after making the comments, the official received his notice. Lamour held the number three position in world football administration and was previously regarded as one of Infantino's closest associates.
Executive background and pressure
Before joining FIFA, the 45-year-old worked at UEFA starting in 2007, where he served as deputy secretary general. His departure marks a significant shift in the upper ranks of the global governing body.
FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, is football's global governing body and is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. UEFA functions as the administrative body for football across Europe.
The fallout from the aborted tournament plan continues to affect world football leadership. The Guardian reported that Infantino remains under severe pressure following the failure of his plan, with efforts to remove him from office ongoing.
