By George Omagbemi
FIFA has parted ways with its Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, weeks after he publicly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino over a controversial proposal to sell a stake in the organisation’s commercial rights business.
FIFA confirmed on Monday, August 17, 2026, that its working relationship with Lamour had ended, but did not disclose the specific circumstances surrounding his departure. The development came shortly after Lamour criticised Infantino’s proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, which sought to create a commercial entity involving private investors.
Lamour had accused FIFA’s leadership of misleading staff over the proposal, which reportedly involved selling a 20 percent stake in a commercial venture valued at about $20 billion. He also questioned the transparency and decision-making process behind the initiative.
The controversial plan was eventually withdrawn following strong opposition from several football stakeholders, including major regional confederations. Lamour had previously acknowledged that speaking publicly against the proposal could cost him his job.
His departure adds to the growing pressure surrounding Infantino’s leadership ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. Several football bodies have increasingly criticised his leadership and the failed commercial plan.
Lamour had worked with Infantino during their earlier years at UEFA and became FIFA’s COO in 2024.
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