FIFA parts ways with COO after criticism of President Gianni Infantino

FIFA has ended its working relationship with Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour less than three weeks after he publicly criticised President Gianni Infantino over the 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 serving as its COO, according to BBC Sport.

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.

Lamour had publicly criticised the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, describing it as “the project of one person” and alleging that FIFA’s administration had been “deceived” about the plan.

He also took aim at 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 abandoned after plans to sell a 21 per cent stake in the company to private investment firms faced opposition from several football governing bodies.

UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation opposed the proposal, while UEFA reportedly threatened to boycott the World Cup if the plan was approved.

The controversy has also created challenges for Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president, with UEFA and Concacaf withdrawing their support for his re-election.

The Scottish Football Association also withdrew its backing for Infantino on Monday, joining England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

However, the football confederations representing Africa, South America and Oceania have continued to support Infantino.