FIFA confirms departure of COO Kevin Lamour after public row with Infantino
The world football governing body has acknowledged the exit of Kevin Lamour, who had publicly challenged President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell World Cup stakes to private investors.
FIFA has confirmed the departure of chief operating officer Kevin Lamour, marking a significant escalation in the internal governance disputes surrounding President Gianni Infantino. The organisation’s announcement on Monday follows Lamour’s public condemnation of the president’s previously shelved plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private equity firms.
Lamour, the Frenchman’s third-highest-ranking official at the governing body, had published scathing criticism of the proposal last month. In his critique, he characterised the initiative as “the project of one person,” a direct reference to Infantino’s leadership style. Despite his strong objections to the commercial strategy, Lamour stated he would respect any decision regarding his own position within the organisation.
The departure comes amidst a widening rift between the president and various football confederations. Infantino continues to hold his position despite mounting opposition from UEFA and other regional bodies, alongside a growing number of member countries that have voiced dissent over the direction of the organisation’s commercial policies.
The private equity plan, which sought to inject capital into major competitions through external investment, has been abandoned. However, the political fallout from the proposal has persisted, with Lamour’s public stance serving as a catalyst for the leadership change. The incident highlights the tensions between traditional governance structures and modern commercialisation efforts within world football.
FIFA’s confirmation of Lamour’s exit underscores the fragility of the current administration. With key stakeholders such as UEFA and CONCACAF already expressing reservations, the loss of a senior executive like Lamour signals a potential shift in the balance of power within the organisation’s executive ranks.
