Lamour leaves FIFA after denouncing Infantino’s World Cup stake plan

Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour left FIFA on 17 August 2026, weeks after publicly criticizing President Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell a stake in the organisation’s tournament business, including the World Cup. The governing body confirmed the termination of his working relationship on that date.

Lamour's departure and criticism

FIFA’s spokesperson said the partnership with Kevin Lamour ended on 17 August 2026 and thanked him for two years of service, wishing him the best of luck for the future. The statement added that no further comment would be made on the matter.

Lamour had voiced his opposition last month, accusing FIFA staff of being “deceived” over the proposal and describing it as “the project of one person”. In his own statement he warned, “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.”

Widespread dissent and plan abandonment

Hours after Lamour’s remarks, senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest, labeling the plan a “bad deal for football”. His departure added another senior voice to the growing internal dissent.

FIFA’s top officer ousted after accusing Infantino of World Cup deceit

The dissent coincided with broader opposition to FIFA’s plan to create a $20 billion subsidiary to run its tournaments and to sell up to a 20 % stake to external investors, a move that would have affected the World Cup among other events.

Facing mounting backlash, FIFA subsequently abandoned the proposal, ending its pursuit of the subsidiary and the stake sale.

The spokesperson reiterated that FIFA would not comment further, emphasizing the organisation’s focus on moving forward after the controversy.

The contrast between Lamour’s outspoken criticism and his swift exit, alongside the abandonment of Infantino’s stake plan, highlights the depth of internal conflict and the governing body’s willingness to reverse course under pressure.