FIFA Removes COO Kevin Lamour After Criticism of Infantino’s World Cup Investment Plan

FIFA has parted ways with its Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, after he openly criticized President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

Internal Conflict Leads to Executive Exit

The football governing body confirmed Lamour’s exit on August 17, 2026, following a breakdown in his working relationship with Infantino. This departure came after Lamour publicly condemned the leadership over a controversial project called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which aimed to change how the World Cup is funded and operated.

A spokesperson stated: "FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026. FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future. No further comment will be made on the matter."

Accusations of Lack of Transparency Over World Cup Deal

Lamour had spoken to the Associated Press in July, expressing serious doubts about the FFE proposal. He claimed Infantino misled FIFA staff regarding the deal’s consequences, which involved selling a minority stake in the World Cup to private investors.

His comments included: "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."

These statements were seen as a direct challenge to Infantino’s control within FIFA, with Lamour accepting the risk of losing his job by speaking out: "If that means I lose my job, then so be it."

The Abandoned $4.2 Billion Investment Plan

The controversy centered on a $4.2 billion deal where FIFA planned to sell a 20 percent share in a new commercial entity responsible for organizing major tournaments like the World Cup and Club World Cup. The idea was to attract private investment while FIFA remained a non-profit organization.

The plan was eventually dropped after strong opposition from many football stakeholders worried about losing control of the sport’s flagship event. Despite the deal’s cancellation, tensions inside FIFA remained high.

Lamour’s Career and Legacy

Before joining FIFA in November 2024, Lamour worked closely with Infantino at UEFA, starting in 2007 and advancing to deputy general secretary. As FIFA’s COO, he managed complex relationships and oversaw important infrastructure projects.

His exit ends a professional partnership spanning nearly twenty years across UEFA and FIFA. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom informed staff via email, saying the decision followed careful thought and thanking Lamour for his work on daily operations.

• Departure date: August 17, 2026
• Role: FIFA Chief Operating Officer
• Tenure at FIFA: Since November 2024
• Previous role: UEFA Deputy General Secretary
• Proposed deal value: $4.2 billion
• Stake to be sold: 20%