FIFA has ended its working relationship with chief operating officer Kevin Lamour after the senior executive publicly criticised Gianni Infantino’s reported plan to sell part of the World Cup to investors, according to an exclusive report by Sky News.
Sky News reported on Monday that FIFA had sacked Lamour, 45, after he challenged the transparency and direction of the proposed investment plan.
FIFA has confirmed that Lamour’s working relationship with the organisation ended on August 17, although its official statement did not provide details of the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026,” a FIFA spokesperson said.
“FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future.”
Sky News, which first broke the story, reported that FIFA staff were informed of Lamour’s departure on Monday evening. The broadcaster also obtained a letter sent to FIFA vice-presidents and council members by FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom.
Former FIFA COO Kevin Lamour (top left) stands next to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin during the Euro 2024.
In the letter, Grafstrom said FIFA and Lamour had “agreed to part ways” following recent discussions.
He described Lamour’s two-year tenure as a period of significant change, highlighting improved stakeholder relationships and the delivery of several major projects.
However, the departure comes against the backdrop of Lamour’s outspoken criticism of Infantino and the reported plans to bring outside investors into the World Cup.
Lamour accused FIFA of deceiving staff
Lamour had become increasingly critical of the way the proposed investment project was being handled.
In July, he accused FIFA staff of being “deceived” by what he described as a lack of openness surrounding the plans.
“It is the project of one person,” Lamour wrote, while arguing that the proposal should not proceed.
He also called on football’s political leaders to question the direction of the project and make what he considered the appropriate decisions.
Lamour said he understood that his stance could cost him his position at FIFA.
“And if that means I lose my job then so be it,” he said. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”
His comments came shortly after the resignation of Infantino’s senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro, who also urged senior FIFA employees to speak out.
The developments have therefore created a significant moment inside FIFA, particularly because Lamour was not an outsider challenging the organisation from afar.
READMORE: NFF orders Super Falcons technical crew to step down with immediate effect
Lamour had been closely associated with Infantino for years and was part of the group that helped campaign for the Swiss-Italian administrator during his successful FIFA presidential bid in 2016.
His departure therefore carries added significance given his previous position within Infantino’s inner circle.
Lamour joined FIFA in November 2024 and served as chief operating officer, appearing at FIFA Council meetings and working on a range of organisational projects. FIFA’s secretary general praised his contribution in the letter announcing his departure.
Before entering football administration, Lamour had worked in politics and previously served as an aide to former UEFA president Michel Platini.
FIFA maintains a different account of his exit
While Sky News reported that FIFA had sacked Lamour following his criticism of Infantino’s plans, FIFA’s official statement used different language, saying the organisation and its chief operating officer had ended their working relationship.
The governing body did not comment on the terms of his departure or directly address whether his criticism of the investment proposal played a role.
That distinction is significant as FIFA attempts to frame the exit as a mutually agreed separation rather than an outright dismissal.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
