{
  "id": 1701913,
  "title": "Fifa sack CEO Lamour in World Cup sell-off fallout",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/fifa-sack-ceo-lamour-in-world-cup-sell-off-fallout",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T12:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/capetimes/sport/2026-08-18-fifa-sack-ceo-lamour-in-world-cup-sell-off-fallout/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Fifa has dismissed its chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, after he criticized president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell shares in the World Cup to investors. The news was communicated to Fifa's staff via an email from secretary-general Mattias Grafström. The two parties have agreed to part ways, according to a statement from Fifa. Lamour served in the role for two years and received the organization's gratitude for his contributions. The decision to terminate the working relationship was made after careful consideration and with respect for Lamour, both personally and professionally. Lamour had previously criticized Infantino's sell-off plan, calling it \"the project of one person\" and stating that the Fifa administration had been deceived about the abandoned plan. The decision to sell World Cup stakes came under fire from UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC, who accused Fifa of a \"fundamental breach of trust\" and \"deception\" over the management of the plans.",
  "summary": "FIFA has parted ways with COO Kevin Lamour after he publicly criticised President Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to sell World Cup stakes.",
  "key_points": [
    "Fifa CEO Kevin Lamour dismissed over World Cup sell-off criticism",
    "Lamour called plan \"the project of one person\"",
    "UEFA, CONCACAF, AFC accused Fifa of trust breach and deception"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}