FIFA sacks Chief Operating Officer over Infantino World Cup sell-off criticism
FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, has left the organisation following weeks of public criticism directed at president Gianni Infantino’s now-abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. FIFA confirmed the working relationship between FIFA and Lamour as chief operating officer ended on August 17, 2026. Staff were informed of the […] The post FIFA sacks Chief…
FIFA terminated the working relationship between its chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, and president Gianni Infantino, effective August 17, 2026. The announcement was made via email by Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom. Lamour's departure comes after weeks of public criticism over Infantino's abandoned plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
The deal was estimated to be worth approximately $20 billion. Infantino had proposed the sale in July, but withdrew it following a strong backlash from global football officials, including UEFA, which threatened a boycott of all FIFA events. Lamour had publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with Infantino's lack of transparency in the planning process, stating that staff were "deceived" and deserved better.
He called the sell-off plan "the project of one person." Lamour joined FIFA in November 2024, having previously worked at UEFA. He had no qualms about the potential consequences, stating that if it meant losing his job, he would accept it.
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