Fifa’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, has departed the world football governing body, less than three weeks after he launched a sharp public critique of president Gianni Infantino. The organization confirmed that the professional relationship between Fifa and Lamour concluded on August 17, 2026.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for the governing body noted that Fifa appreciates Lamour’s two years of service and extends its best wishes for his future endeavors. The organization declined to address reports suggesting that Lamour had been dismissed from his position.
The departure was communicated to Fifa staff on Monday evening via an email from secretary general Mattias Grafstrom. In a separate letter to members of the Fifa Council, seen by Sport, Grafstrom stated that the decision to part ways followed recent discussions and was reached with mutual respect for Lamour’s professional and personal contributions.
The tension between the two men surfaced last month when Lamour publicly condemned the now-abandoned Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) project, which proposed selling stakes in competitions to private investors. Lamour characterized the initiative as the “project of one person” and argued that the organization’s administration had been misled regarding the scheme.
At the time of his criticism, Lamour emphasized that his primary mission was to serve the sport alongside hundreds of dedicated employees. He stated that a president should aim to unite and inspire, rather than cause division, noting that the current atmosphere within the organization was the opposite of that goal.
Reflecting on his duty to both his employer and his personal values, Lamour had previously acknowledged the potential consequences of his dissent. He remarked that if his stance resulted in the loss of his job, he would accept the decision, adding that he would at least be able to “sleep well” at night.
Lamour, who joined Fifa in November 2024 after serving as deputy general secretary at Uefa, occupied a position two layers of management below the president. Earlier this month, Infantino secured the support of senior executives during a meeting in Morocco, an event that Sport understands Lamour did not attend.
While Lamour has been approached for comment regarding his exit, the governing body maintains that the change in administration was made after careful consideration. Grafstrom’s letter to the council concluded by expressing gratitude for Lamour’s daily commitment to the organization. The report also notes that then so be it,” he added, if that means I lose my job. The report also notes that unite them, and inspire them, a president must bring people together.
