FIFA President Gianni Infantino remains under major pressure following his failed FIFA Forward Enterprise proposals -Credit:JAIME SALDARRIAGA, AFP via Getty Images FIFA has dismissed its chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, after he spoke out against President Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell off stakes in the World Cup via the FIFA Forward Enterprise. Lamour, a long-standing associate of Infantino at both FIFA and UEFA, claimed that staff had been 'deceived' by the plan, which has since been abandoned following extensive opposition. Sky News was first to report Lamour's exit. While FIFA declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding his departure, soccer's global governing body did release a statement. "FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA's Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026," the statement read. "FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future."
Mykhailo Mudryk speaks out after Chelsea star's doping suspension is lifted Argentina's Enzo Fernández sent off in World Cup Final following brutal late tackle -Credit:Joosep Martinson - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images A letter distributed by FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom has also emerged, notifying FIFA staff of Lamour's exit. The Frenchman had been with the organization since November 2024, as per The Mirror. "Following recent discussions, FIFA and our Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour have agreed to part ways," Grafstrom said. "This decision was made after careful consideration and with great respect for Kevin, both personally and professionally. "Kevin joined FIFA in November 2024 and in this time has overseen a period of significant change, including improved relationships with stakeholders and the delivery of several significant projects of joint interest, amongst many other key achievements. "You will have seen Kevin present in each FIFA Council meeting since his appointment in 2024, and many of you will have had a regular working relationship with Kevin on projects of various kinds since his joining FIFA. To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE "I felt it was important that I personally provide you this update and I would like to express my gratitude to Kevin for these contributions and for his work and commitment on behalf of FIFA on a daily basis. I wish Kevin all the best for the future." Last month, Lamour made headlines by claiming that he and his colleagues were 'deceived' by Infantino's proposal to sell FIFA competitions, including the men's World Cup, to private investors, describing it as 'the project of one person'. The 45-year-old also called on the embattled president to resign from the role he has occupied since 2016. "Not only must this project not go ahead," Lamour wrote. "But the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions."