FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, has officially left the organization as confirmed by FIFA on Monday. This departure follows Lamour’s public criticism of President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a portion of FIFA’s tournament business, including the prestigious World Cup.
A FIFA spokesperson announced the end of Lamour’s role as Chief Operating Officer on August 17, 2026, expressing gratitude for Lamour’s two years of service and wishing him well in his future endeavors. The spokesperson stated that there would be no further comments on the matter.
The news of Lamour’s departure was communicated to FIFA staff and Council members by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom in a letter on Monday. Sky News reported that both parties mutually agreed to part ways after recent discussions.
Lamour had previously voiced his discontent with the proposed plan, alleging that FIFA staff had been misled and referring to it as the personal project of one individual. He emphasized that the primary mission of FIFA should be to serve football and not the personal interests of any single person.
Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to President Infantino, also resigned in protest of the proposal, denouncing it as detrimental to football. Lamour had joined FIFA in November 2024 and had been part of Infantino’s inner circle during the campaign leading to his election as president in 2016.
