FIFA announced today that Kevin Lamour, the Chief Operating Officer, has departed the organization. This move follows Lamour’s public criticism of President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a share of FIFA’s tournament business, which includes the World Cup.

A spokesperson for FIFA confirmed the end of Lamour’s tenure, thanking him for his two years of service and wishing him well in his future endeavors. The departure was communicated to staff and Council members by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom in a letter, stating that both parties had mutually agreed to part ways after recent discussions.

Lamour had raised concerns about the proposal, alleging that FIFA staff had been misled and labeling the initiative as the brainchild of a single individual. He emphasized that their duty is to serve football and not the personal interests of any one person who perceives themselves as the embodiment of FIFA rather than a servant to the organization.

Earlier, another senior figure, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned in protest of the plan, denouncing it as detrimental to football. Lamour, who joined FIFA in November 2024 and was a part of Infantino’s close circle during his presidential campaign in 2016, became vocal about his opposition to the sell-off strategy.

The backlash against Infantino’s proposal has been significant, with concerns raised about the potential impact on the integrity and future of the World Cup. The resignations of key figures like Cordeiro and Lamour signal growing discontent within FIFA regarding the direction of its commercial strategies.