FIFA has officially announced the departure of Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, who recently voiced opposition to President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a share of its tournament assets, including the World Cup. The working relationship between FIFA and Lamour ended on August 17, 2026, as confirmed by a FIFA spokesperson. Lamour, who had been with FIFA since November 2024, criticized the plan last month, stating that FIFA staff had been misled and describing it as a self-serving initiative by one individual.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom informed staff and Council members about Lamour’s departure in a letter, indicating that both parties mutually agreed to part ways following discussions. Lamour’s comments coincided with the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, who also opposed the proposal, considering it detrimental to football. Lamour, previously part of Infantino’s close circle during his 2016 presidential campaign, joined FIFA but eventually parted ways due to differing views on the direction of FIFA’s commercial strategy.
