FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, has departed from the organization after expressing disapproval of President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a share in FIFA’s tournament operations, including the prestigious World Cup. The separation was confirmed by FIFA on Monday, with a spokesperson acknowledging Lamour’s two years of service and wishing him well for his future endeavors. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom communicated Lamour’s exit to staff and Council members through a letter, stating that both parties had mutually agreed to part ways after recent discussions.
Lamour had voiced his opposition to the plan in the previous month, asserting that FIFA employees were misled about the proposal, deeming it as solely driven by one individual’s agenda. He emphasized the organization’s duty to serve football rather than cater to personal interests. Lamour’s stance coincided with the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to President Infantino, who also denounced the proposal as detrimental to football’s interests.
Having joined FIFA in November 2024, Lamour had been associated with Infantino’s close circle during the latter’s presidential election campaign in 2016. The recent controversies surrounding Infantino’s sell-off proposition have sparked dissent within FIFA and the global soccer community, prompting key figures like Lamour and Cordeiro to take a stand against the contentious initiative.