FIFA announced the departure of Kevin Lamour, the Chief Operating Officer, following his public criticism of President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a share in its tournament business, which includes the World Cup. The working relationship between FIFA and Lamour officially ended on August 17, 2026. FIFA expressed gratitude for Lamour’s two years of service and wished him success in his future endeavors. Lamour’s departure was confirmed in a letter by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom to staff and Council members, stating that both parties mutually agreed to part ways after recent discussions.

Lamour had openly opposed the proposal, stating that FIFA staff had been misled and labeling it as the personal agenda of one individual. He emphasized that their duty is to serve football, not the personal interests of someone who mistakenly believes they are the embodiment of FIFA while they should be serving the organization. Lamour’s remarks came shortly after Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to Infantino, resigned in protest against the proposal, deeming it detrimental to football.

Having joined FIFA in November 2024, Lamour was previously associated with Infantino’s inner circle that supported his election as president in 2016. The controversy surrounding Infantino’s plan to involve private investors in FIFA’s commercial interests has sparked significant backlash within the soccer community, with concerns raised about potential boycotts of future World Cup editions.