A FIFA spokesperson stated, “FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s chief operating officer has ended on August 17, 2026.” The spokesperson expressed gratitude for Lamour's two years of service and extended best wishes for his future endeavors. This announcement follows a report by The Athletic detailing the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Opposition to Infantino's Proposal
Lamour was one of the highest-ranking officials at FIFA to publicly oppose Infantino's initiative to sell stakes in major competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. He characterized the proposal as “the project of one person,” emphasizing the need for football leaders to engage in critical self-reflection and make informed decisions about the sport's future. In a statement released to the Associated Press on July 31, he remarked, “If that means I lose my job, then so be it. I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”
The backlash against Infantino's plan has intensified scrutiny on his leadership, which has remained largely unchallenged since he assumed the presidency in 2016. Following Lamour's departure, FIFA's secretary general, Mattias Grafstrom, and Arsene Wenger, the chief of global football development, both expressed support for the decision to abandon the controversial proposal. Wenger, a former manager of Arsenal, described the cancellation as “absolutely necessary.”
Wider Implications for Football Governance
The dispute surrounding the proposal has sparked a broader conversation about the governance of football. Earlier this month, a coalition of football governing bodies, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, issued a joint statement asserting that “football belongs to no individual.” This collective stance underscores the growing concern among football leaders regarding the influence of private interests in the sport.
