FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, has officially departed from the organization after criticizing President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a share of its tournament business, which includes the prestigious World Cup. The decision was confirmed by FIFA on Monday, with a spokesperson expressing gratitude for Lamour’s two years of service and wishing him well for the future. The departure was announced to staff and Council members by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom in a letter, stating that both parties had agreed to part ways following discussions.
Lamour had voiced his disapproval of the plan publicly, alleging that FIFA employees were misled about the initiative, which he described as the brainchild of one individual. He emphasized that their duty is to serve football and not to cater to personal agendas. This critique came shortly after Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, resigned in objection to the proposal, labeling it detrimental to football.
Joining FIFA in November 2024, Lamour had previously been associated with Infantino’s inner circle during the campaign leading to the latter’s presidency in 2016. The developments surrounding Lamour’s departure and the controversy over the World Cup sell-off plan have stirred significant debate within the soccer community.