Kevin Lamour, the FIFA chief operating officer who openly criticized president Gianni Infantino, has left soccer's global governing body. “FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026," FIFA said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. “FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future. No further comment will be made on the matter.” Though FIFA didn't indicate whether Lamour was fired or resigned, both The Times and Sky News reported that Lamour had indeed been fired. Infantino has been under intense criticism the last several weeks for his proposal to sell off a stake in FIFA's operation to private investors. The president was forced to scrap his controversial plan amid an outcry from fans, member associations, confederations and even within FIFA itself. Lamour was among the FIFA contingency to publicly distance themselves from the proposal, which he did in an extraordinary statement to the AP at the end of July. According to Lamour, the plan was "the project of one person." He added: “Not only must this project not go ahead… but the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.” Lamour said that he knew his outspokenness could cost him his job. “If that means I lose my job, then so be it,” he added. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.” More: Why is Mexico still supporting Gianni Infantino as FIFA president?
Lamour and Infantino have a longstanding relationship, having previously worked together during their time at UEFA. The Frenchman's exit follows former U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro, who was a senior adviser for Infantino before he quit last month due to the proposal. "I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup," Cordeiro said. "Let me be clear. I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FIFA executive departs after scathing criticism of Infantino