Fifa’s chief operating officer Kevin Lamour has been dismissed from his position, marking a significant development in the ongoing turmoil surrounding the organization’s leadership. The departure occurred roughly three weeks after Lamour publicly criticized president Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal to monetize Fifa competitions through private investment.
Fifa confirmed the separation on August 17, 2026, with secretary general Mattias Grafstrom informing staff that both parties had mutually agreed to part ways. The organization released a brief statement thanking Lamour for his two years of service without elaborating on the circumstances of his departure. Lamour had joined Fifa in November 2024 after previously working at Uefa.
Lamour’s criticism centered on Infantino’s Fifa Forward Enterprise initiative, which aimed to sell stakes in World Cup operations to outside investors. He characterized the project as “the project of one person” and alleged that Fifa’s administration had been misled about its details. In his public remarks, Lamour emphasized his commitment to football’s values and his colleagues’ wellbeing, suggesting he was prepared to face consequences for his stance.
The dismissal reflects deepening divisions within Fifa’s hierarchy over the failed initiative. Multiple football confederations and national associations have withdrawn support for Infantino’s re-election bid scheduled for March 2027, with the Scottish Football Association becoming the latest to do so this week. The governance charity FairSquare has also formally requested that Infantino be declared ineligible to run for a fourth presidential term.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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