ZURICH: FIFA has sacked its Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour less than three weeks after he publicly criticised President Gianni Infantino over a controversial proposal to sell stakes in the governing body’s competitions to private investors.
FIFA confirmed that its working relationship with Lamour ended on Monday, thanking him for two years of service and wishing him well.
Staff were informed by Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom that FIFA and Lamour had “agreed to part ways”.
Lamour had strongly criticised the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, describing it as “the project of one person” and claiming FIFA’s administration had been deceived over the initiative.
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He also questioned Infantino’s leadership, saying a president should unite and inspire people.
“If that means I lose my job, then so be it,” Lamour said at the time.
Controversial plan abandoned
The dispute centred on Infantino’s proposal to establish FFE to manage commercial and ticketing rights for FIFA competitions, including World Cups.
The plan envisaged selling a 21 percent stake in the company to private investors but was abandoned following widespread opposition.
UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation opposed the proposal, with UEFA reportedly threatening to boycott the World Cup if it proceeded.
The controversy has increased pressure on Infantino ahead of FIFA’s presidential election next March.
UEFA and Concacaf have withdrawn their support for his bid for a fourth term, although several confederations and individual football associations continue to back him.
The Scottish FA on Monday joined England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in withdrawing support.
Lamour joined FIFA in November 2024 after previously serving as UEFA’s deputy general secretary.
