FIFA has ended its working relationship with Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, less than three weeks after he publicly criticised President Gianni Infantino over a now-abandoned commercial rights plan.
FIFA confirmed the decision on Monday. A spokesperson said: “The working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026,” while thanking him for his two years of service.
Lamour had taken aim at the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, which would have created a company to manage commercial and ticketing rights for FIFA competitions. He described the project as “the project of one person” and claimed the organisation’s administration had been “deceived” about it.
He also criticised Infantino’s leadership style, stating: “A president must bring people together, unite them, and inspire them. Today, we are experiencing the opposite.”
The FFE proposal was dropped after plans to sell a 21 percent stake to private investment firms drew strong opposition from several confederations. UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation opposed the move, with UEFA reportedly threatening a World Cup boycott if it proceeded.
The controversy has complicated Infantino’s campaign for a fourth term as FIFA president. UEFA and Concacaf have withdrawn their support, and the Scottish Football Association on Monday joined England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in withdrawing backing. Confederations from Africa, South America and Oceania continue to support Infantino.
