FIFA Sacks Top Official After Infantino Criticism
FIFA has ended its working relationship with Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, less than three weeks after he publicly criticised President Gianni Infantino over an abandoned plan to sell a stake in a company that would manage the commercial and ticketing rights of FIFA competitions.
FIFA confirmed on Monday that Lamour was no longer with the organisation, according to BBC Sport. His departure came after he spoke out against the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, which had generated opposition among several football governing bodies.
A FIFA spokesperson said, “The working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026,” while thanking him for his two years of service to the global football governing body.
Lamour had strongly criticised the FFE proposal, describing it as “the project of one person” and alleging that FIFA’s administration had been “deceived” about the initiative.
He also questioned Infantino’s leadership, saying, “A president must bring people together, unite them, and inspire them. Today, we are experiencing the opposite.”
The proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise was eventually abandoned after plans to sell a 21 per cent stake in the company to private investment firms met strong opposition from several football bodies.
UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation were among those opposed to the proposal, while UEFA was reportedly prepared to consider boycotting the World Cup if the plan proceeded.
The controversy has also created fresh challenges for Infantino’s bid to secure a fourth term as FIFA president, with UEFA and Concacaf withdrawing their support for his re-election.
The Scottish Football Association on Monday also withdrew its backing for Infantino, joining England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in distancing themselves from his re-election bid.
However, the football confederations representing Africa, South America and Oceania have continued to support Infantino as he seeks another term as president of FIFA.