FIFA Dismisses COO Kevin Lamour After Criticizing Infantino’s World Cup Investment Plan

FIFA has officially parted ways with its Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, following his outspoken criticism of President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The announcement came on August 17, 2026, after growing tensions within FIFA's leadership.

Internal Conflict Leads to Executive Departure

Lamour's exit followed a breakdown in his working relationship with Infantino, triggered by disagreements over the now-cancelled FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. This project aimed to change how the World Cup and other major events would be financed and managed by offering private investors ownership shares.

A FIFA spokesperson stated: "FIFA confirms that the collaboration between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as Chief Operating Officer ended on 17 August 2026. We thank Kevin for his two years of service and wish him success in his future endeavors. No further comments will be provided."

Accusations of Lack of Transparency

The situation escalated when Lamour spoke to the Associated Press in late July, openly questioning the transparency surrounding the FFE proposal. He accused Infantino of misleading FIFA staff about the deal’s true nature and consequences.

"It is the project of one person. Not only must this project not go ahead … but the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions," Lamour said.

His remarks were seen as a direct challenge to Infantino’s authority, putting Lamour at risk professionally. He accepted the possibility of losing his job by stating, "If that means I lose my job, then so be it."

Collapse of $4.2 Billion Investment Proposal

The core controversy involved a $4.2 billion proposal to sell a 20 percent stake in a new commercial entity responsible for FIFA’s flagship tournaments, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. Despite FIFA’s announcement of the plan, backlash from football stakeholders led to its cancellation.

Though the deal was dropped, internal rifts within FIFA had already deepened.

Lamour’s Career and Legacy

Kevin Lamour had a long career in football administration, having worked alongside Infantino at UEFA since 2007 before joining FIFA in November 2024. He was known for managing complex relationships and overseeing key infrastructure projects.

His departure signals the end of a nearly twenty-year professional partnership that spanned the sport’s two most influential governing bodies.

The news was communicated internally by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, who expressed appreciation for Lamour’s contributions to daily operations and noted that the decision was reached after careful thought.