FIFA has confirmed the departure of Kevin Lamour, its chief operating officer, effective 17 August 2026, ending the tenure of a senior executive who had been part of Gianni Infantino’s inner circle before joining the organisation’s leadership team.
FIFA Confirms Lamour’s Exit
“FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s chief operating officer has ended on 17 August 2026,” a FIFA spokesperson said. “FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future. No further comment will be made on the matter.”
Lamour joined FIFA’s senior leadership group in November 2024, having previously worked on Infantino’s successful campaign to become president in 2016. His departure comes amid mounting opposition to Infantino’s plans for a new commercial entity that would include some of FIFA’s most lucrative assets, including rights linked to the World Cup and other major tournaments.
The Proposed Commercial Entity and Internal Opposition
The proposed subsidiary, which FIFA valued at about $20bn, would seek to sell up to a 20 per cent stake to private equity investors, raising an estimated $4.2bn. Lamour became one of the most prominent internal critics of the proposal last month, accusing FIFA staff of being “deceived” and describing the project as the work of “one person”.
“Our mission ... is to serve football, not to serve the personal interests of a person who, unfortunately, believes he embodies FIFA when he is supposed to be at its service,” Lamour said. His comments followed the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, who also opposed the plan and described it as “a bad deal for football”. Infantino subsequently withdrew the proposal.
Impact and Next Steps
Lamour’s exit marks a significant shake-up in FIFA’s senior ranks, removing one of the most vocal internal critics of Infantino’s leadership style. The withdrawal of the commercial plan leaves FIFA’s future revenue strategy uncertain, with no immediate announcement on alternative proposals. The organisation has not indicated who will succeed Lamour as chief operating officer.
