FIFA ousts Kevin Lamour after Infantino criticism

Frenchman Kevin Lamour, a critic of the proposal to privatize the FIFA World Cup, has been dismissed from his position as FIFA’s chief operating officer, sports daily L’Équipe reported, citing EFE.

In a statement issued at the end of July, 45-year-old Lamour expressed his opposition to opening the World Cup to private investors, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino wanted. The plan was supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

According to L’Équipe, a spokesperson for world football’s governing body confirmed that “the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour, in his capacity as chief operating officer, ended on August 17, 2026.”

“FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him every success in the future,” the spokesperson added.

Lamour, who joined FIFA less than two years ago, criticized his boss Infantino’s project, arguing that it serves “personal interests.”

“It is the project of one person ... it should not go any further,” said the Frenchman, who served as a UEFA executive director and was the right-hand man of then-UEFA President Michel Platini between 2007 and 2015.

“A president should bring people together, unite them and inspire them. Today we are experiencing the opposite,” the French executive said in July, referring to Infantino.

Lamour acknowledged at the time that even if he lost his job at FIFA, he would at least be able to sleep “peacefully.”

Photo: FIFA