FIFA has ended the appointment of its Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, weeks after the senior executive publicly criticised President Gianni Infantino over a controversial commercial proposal.
Lamour, who joined FIFA in 2024 after previously working with UEFA, became openly critical of Infantino’s plan to establish a commercial entity that would allow private investors to acquire a stake in the governing body’s future competition revenues.
The proposal, reportedly valued at about $20 billion, faced strong opposition from several major football bodies. FIFA eventually abandoned the initiative following widespread criticism and concerns over its transparency and potential impact on football governance.
In July, Lamour expressed his disapproval of the project, arguing that FIFA officials and employees had not been adequately informed about the plans. He also raised concerns about the way the initiative was being handled by the organisation’s leadership.
His public comments came shortly after the resignation of senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro, who had also opposed the proposed commercial arrangement.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström subsequently informed staff that Lamour would leave the organisation. FIFA confirmed that its working relationship with the COO ended on August 17, 2026, while thanking him for his two years of service. The organisation did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Lamour had previously indicated that he understood his criticism could have consequences for his position. His removal has since generated further debate over governance, transparency and the treatment of dissent within FIFA.
The development comes at a difficult period for Infantino, as opposition to his leadership has grown following the abandoned commercial-rights proposal. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have been among the football bodies calling for greater scrutiny of the FIFA president’s conduct.
Rights and labour organisations have also criticised Lamour’s departure, with some arguing that the decision could discourage senior officials from challenging FIFA leadership on issues of governance and accountability.
The controversy is likely to remain a major issue within international football as FIFA moves towards its next presidential election in 2027.
