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FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, has been sacked after publicly criticising President Gianni Infantino’s controversial plan to raise private investment by selling commercial stakes linked to the World Cup.
Lamour’s departure, less than two years after he joined FIFA from UEFA, represents a significant development within the leadership of football’s global governing body and follows his outspoken opposition to Infantino’s proposed FFE investment scheme.
The former FIFA executive had criticised the manner in which the plan was presented to the organisation, arguing that its administration had been “deceived”. He also accused Infantino of acting as though he personally represented FIFA, rather than serving in the interests of the organisation.
Lamour’s comments placed him directly at odds with the FIFA president at a time when the proposed investment structure was already facing scrutiny.
The FFE plan was intended to attract private capital into parts of FIFA’s commercial operations and World Cup-related business. However, the proposal generated controversy over the extent to which outside investors could gain influence over assets and revenue streams associated with the tournament.
Lamour had reportedly understood that his criticism could cost him his position. His subsequent dismissal now brings to an abrupt end his tenure as one of FIFA’s senior administrators.
His exit is likely to intensify questions over decision-making and internal accountability at FIFA, particularly concerning the way major commercial initiatives are developed and communicated within the organisation.
The development also highlights the tensions that can emerge between FIFA’s executive leadership and senior officials over the management of the organisation’s substantial commercial interests.
Lamour joined FIFA after serving in a senior administrative role at UEFA, bringing experience from European football’s governing structure to the organisation’s leadership team.
His dismissal comes as FIFA continues to manage the financial and commercial interests surrounding the World Cup, its most important global property and a major source of revenue for the organisation.
