FIFA chief sacked after criticism of Infantino’s World Cup sell-off plan
By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent Global football governance has experienced another major leadership upheaval. FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour has left his position following open criticism of president Gianni Infantino. His departure comes less than three weeks after Lamour strongly opposed a controversial plan to sell World Cup competition stakes to private […]
Kevin Lamour, FIFA's Chief Operating Officer, has resigned following his outspoken criticism of president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell World Cup ticketing and rights to private investors. The controversial proposal, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise scheme, aimed to create a commercial entity to manage major tournament rights and sell a 21% stake to a U.S. investment fund led by Joshua Kushner.
Lamour vehemently opposed the scheme, describing it as "the project of one person" and arguing that FIFA's staff deserved better than contempt and intimidation. The decision comes less than three weeks after Lamour voiced his concerns about the initiative, which was ultimately abandoned. The resignation marks another significant leadership shift in FIFA governance, following the recent departure of senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro.
The broader fallout from the aborted plan has caused political divisions among international football confederations, with UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation opposing the sell-off and threatening a World Cup boycott. The controversy has intensified calls for Infantino to relinquish his bid for a fourth presidential term, with several European and North American associations withdrawing their support.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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