FIFA parts ways with COO Kevin Lamour after critique of Infantino
In a Zurich‑issued statement dated 17 August 2026, FIFA confirmed that its Arbeitsbeziehung with Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour ended, following his public Kritik of President Gianni Infantino’s WM‑Investorenpläne. The decision came after Lamour, who had served since November 2024, accused the project of deceiving staff and demanded accountability from football’s political leaders.
Lamour’s tenure and background
Kevin Lamour has served as the Betriebsdirektor of FIFA since November 2024. Before joining the world governing body, he worked for the European football union UEFA from 2007, giving him nearly two decades of experience in football administration.
In his Funktion as Chief Operating Officer, Lamour oversaw daily operations and reported directly to Fifa‑Präsident Gianni Infantino. The role placed him at the centre of the organisation’s strategic decisions, including the controversial WM‑Investorenpläne.
Criticism and demand for accountability
At the Ende of July, Lamour issued a public Kritik of the WM‑Investorenpläne, describing the project as a personal venture that had deceived staff. He wrote that employees deserved better than contempt and intimidation, and he urged football’s political decision‑makers to ask the right questions.
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Lamour went further, stating, “Nicht nur darf dieses Projekt nicht weitergehen. Aber die Zeit ist nun gekommen, dass sich die politischen Entscheidungsträger im Fußball die richtigen Fragen stellen und die richtigen Entscheidungen treffen.” Er added that he was prepared to lose his job if his statements cost him his position.
FIFA announced on 17 August 2026 that the Arbeitsbeziehung between the Verband and Kevin Lamour in his capacity as Chief Operating Officer was terminated. Der statement from the Weltfußballverband gave no further details about the reasons for the Ende of the collaboration.
The decision follows the rejection of the Investorenpläne that Infantino had promoted for the upcoming World Cup. Nach the Investorenplänen were dismissed, the Verband and its senior officials, including the Fifa‑Präsident, faced intensified scrutiny.
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The report was filed by EPA and journalist Andreas BECKER in Zürich, confirming the separation. Die announcement underscores the volatile nature of high‑level Fußball governance.