FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, has officially departed from the organization after criticizing President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a portion of its tournament business, which includes the prestigious World Cup. The separation was confirmed by FIFA on Monday, with a spokesperson expressing gratitude for Lamour’s two-year tenure and wishing him success in his future endeavors. The decision to part ways was mutually agreed upon following discussions between Lamour and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, as reported by Sky News.
Lamour had openly voiced his disapproval of the sell-off plan, asserting that FIFA staff had been misled and characterizing the initiative as driven by one individual’s agenda. He emphasized the importance of serving the sport of football rather than catering to personal interests. Lamour’s stance echoed that of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, who had resigned in protest of the proposal, labeling it detrimental to the sport.
Having joined FIFA in November 2024 and previously being part of Infantino’s close circle during the 2016 presidential campaign, Lamour’s departure marks another significant development within the governing body. The decision to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial assets to private investors, as proposed by Infantino, has generated substantial backlash within the soccer community, prompting resignations and raising concerns about the future of the World Cup.