Fifa COO Kevin Lamour Dismissed Following Criticism of Infantino's Plans

In a significant organizational shakeup, Fifa has parted ways with its Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, just weeks after he publicly criticized President Gianni Infantino's controversial proposal to sell stakes in Fifa competitions to private investors. Lamour's dismissal on August 17, 2026, was confirmed in a statement from Fifa, which thanked him for his two years of service.

The decision came after Lamour labeled the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative as a "project of one person" and indicated that the plan, which was ultimately abandoned, deceived Fifa's own administration. He urged that the time had come for football's political leaders to reflect on their decisions, emphasizing that Fifa’s mission should be to unite and inspire rather than divide.

Despite his loyalty to Fifa, Lamour expressed a commitment to certain values and his colleagues, suggesting he was prepared to lose his job over the matter. "If that means I lose my job, then so be it. I will understand and respect that decision," he remarked, highlighting his integrity in the face of leadership challenges.

While Infantino recently received backing from senior executives during a meeting in Morocco, Lamour was notably absent. His criticism follows a wave of discontent among various football governing bodies, including Uefa and Concacaf, who openly opposed Infantino's plans. Uefa even threatened to boycott future World Cups if the proposal proceeded.

As Infantino faces mounting pressure ahead of the Fifa Congress in March, where he aims for a fourth presidential term, the backlash continues to grow, with several football associations, including the Scottish FA, retracting their support.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk