FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, has departed the organization after publicly criticizing President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a share in its tournament business, including the prestigious World Cup. The separation was confirmed by FIFA on Monday, with a spokesperson expressing gratitude for Lamour’s two years of service and wishing him well in his future endeavors.
The decision for Lamour to leave was mutually agreed upon following discussions, as conveyed by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom in a letter to staff and Council members. Lamour had raised concerns about the proposal, stating that FIFA staff had been misled and characterizing the initiative as driven by one individual’s agenda.
This development comes shortly after another high-ranking figure, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned in protest against the sell-off plan, citing its negative implications for football. Lamour had joined FIFA in November 2024 and was previously associated with Infantino’s inner circle during the campaign for the presidency in 2016.