FIFA dismisses COO Kevin Lamour following dispute over World Cup private investment plan

Dismissal and the investment rift

FIFA confirmed on 17 August 2026 that it dismissed chief operating officer Kevin Lamour, concluding his tenure as the organization's third-ranking executive. Lamour joined FIFA's senior leadership in November 2024 after previously working as deputy general secretary at UEFA and assisting Infantino's 2016 presidential campaign. The dismissal followed weeks of internal tension sparked by president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors through the FIFA Forward Enterprise entity. Lamour publicly opposed the strategy on 31 July 2026 in comments to the Associated Press, stating that FIFA's administration had been deceived and describing the initiative as the project of one person. Senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned that same day, and FIFA abandoned the commercial venture in early August 2026.

Backlash across European and global football

The dismissal triggered immediate political repercussions inside the governing body. On 18 August 2026, FIFA Council member and vice president Sándor Csányi withdrew his support for Infantino in a letter, describing Lamour's termination as the final straw. UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation had already demanded Infantino's resignation over the investment scheme. UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister condemned the dismissal of her former colleague.

Instead, the loss of a leader of Kevin's calibre sends a deeply troubling message to all of us seeking change.

Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Association, criticized the leadership environment within the governing body.

It's unacceptable, it's management by fear.

Scrutiny from human rights and labour groups

Advocacy organizations also protested Lamour's removal, noting his work on human rights protections, worker welfare, the formal recognition of the Afghan Women's National Team, and advocacy for detained French journalist Christophe Gleizes. Andrea Florence, executive director of the Sport & Rights Alliance, stated that the firing sent a message that dissent would not be tolerated inside FIFA. Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, referenced past governance disputes, including the awarding of the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia.

FIFA needs more -- not fewer -- senior officials prepared to own and answer for its poor governance systems that lead to human rights catastrophes.

Farewell message and institutional split

Lamour had previously avoided the 5 August 2026 FIFA management board meeting in Morocco, where the board declared full support for Infantino. On 18 August 2026, Lamour sent a farewell letter to FIFA staff, expressing gratitude to secretary general Mattias Grafström for standing by him while omitting any mention of Infantino.

I did not manage to have the impact I hoped for within this organisation, and I would like to apologise for that. I am sorry if I disappointed some of you. Sometimes, even the best intentions are not enough.

Infantino remains the sole declared candidate for the March 2027 FIFA presidential election. While European, Asian, and North American confederations maintain their calls for him to step down, Infantino retains backing from Africa and sections of South America.