FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour Dismissed Following Criticism of Infantino

The world’s highest football authority, FIFA, has dismissed its Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour. Lamour was removed from his position after publicly criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s controversial commercial project. Football associations including UEFA and CONCACAF, opposing the FFE plan, have withdrawn their support for President Infantino.

2 September, Kathmandu – FIFA has terminated Kevin Lamour from his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) less than three weeks after he strongly criticized the controversial ‘FIFA Forward Enterprises’ (FFE) project. FIFA confirmed on Monday that Lamour’s employment ended on 17 August 2026.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström stated in a message to staff and council members that the organization and Lamour mutually agreed to part ways. However, the dismissal is suspected to be linked to Lamour’s public criticism of President Gianni Infantino’s disputed commercial venture. FIFA has not formally disclosed the reason for his dismissal.

Last month, Lamour publicly condemned the FFE plan spearheaded by Infantino, calling it ‘a one-man project’ and accusing FIFA’s administration of being bypassed. The plan involved managing commercial and ticketing rights for all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, and selling 21 percent of the company’s shares to private investors. However, after strong opposition from football bodies including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the plan was suspended.

Lamour highlighted that hundreds of FIFA employees are dedicated to football services and criticized the president for fostering division rather than unity. Despite losing his job due to his criticisms, he accepted the consequences, emphasizing his responsibilities to his employer, his principles, and his colleagues.

Rising Controversy Within FIFA

Opposition to the FFE plan extended beyond FIFA’s internal disagreements. UEFA threatened to boycott the World Cup if the plan proceeded. Following its suspension, UEFA and CONCACAF withdrew their longstanding support for Infantino ahead of the presidential election scheduled for March.

Infantino is preparing for his fourth term as FIFA president. Football federations from Africa, South America, and Oceania support his candidacy, while some CONCACAF members, including Mexico, have backed him against their federations’ official positions.

At the same time, British football associations are also withdrawing support from Infantino. Scotland recently became the first to openly declare opposition, following England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland, all of which had retracted their earlier backing.

From UEFA to FIFA

Lamour assumed the role of FIFA COO in November 2024, having previously served as deputy secretary general at UEFA. Within FIFA’s hierarchy, he held a managerial role two levels below Infantino.

Following Lamour’s criticism, Infantino’s senior advisor Carlos Cordero also resigned, indicating growing dissatisfaction within FIFA toward the president’s commercial and administrative decisions.

FIFA expressed gratitude to Lamour for his two years of service and extended best wishes for his future. Lamour has been asked for comment regarding his dismissal.

Meanwhile, the organization FairSquare, which advocates for transparency and accountability in football administration, has reportedly sent a letter to FIFA urging it to bar Infantino from standing in the upcoming election.