Lamour leaves Fifa after Infantino plan criticism

Fifa's Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour has departed from the organisation, less than three weeks after he publicly criticised President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in competitions to private investors. In a statement, a spokesperson confirmed Lamour's exit, expressing gratitude for his two years of service and wishing him luck in the future. Fifa did not comment on reports suggesting Lamour's dismissal.

Lamour described Infantino's aborted project, known as Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), as "the project of one person," urging football political leaders to question their decisions. He also stated that Fifa's administration had been deceived about the now-abandoned project. The COO acknowledged his duty of loyalty to his employer but also to his values and colleagues, stating that if that meant losing his job, he would "sleep well tonight."

Lamour joined Fifa in November 2024, previously serving as deputy general secretary at Uefa. Infantino received backing from senior executives earlier in the month, but Lamour was not invited to a meeting in Morocco. A letter from Fifa's Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom informed Fifa's Council of Lamour's departure, expressing gratitude for his contributions and commitment to Fifa.