Top Fifa official sacked after Infantino plan criticism
Fifa COO Kevin Lamour's employment ended on August 17, 2026, following his criticism of Gianni Infantino's controversial commercial proposals.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Fifa COO Kevin Lamour's working relationship with the organization ended on August 17, 2026.
- Lamour criticized Gianni Infantino's aborted plan to create a commercial company called FFE.
- Major confederations and football associations have withdrawn support for Infantino's upcoming re-election.
Fifa has officially confirmed that the working relationship between the governing body and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour came to an end on August 17, 2026. In an official statement, the organization expressed gratitude for Lamour's two years of service and wished him the best in his future endeavors.
This departure takes place as Fifa president Gianni Infantino faces escalating pressure due to his proposal to establish a new commercial entity named FFE. The company was intended to manage commercial and ticketing rights for all Fifa tournaments, including the World Cup, before being aborted in the face of widespread backlash.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Prior to its cancellation, prominent bodies such as Uefa, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation openly opposed the initiative. Uefa notably threatened to boycott the World Cup if the proposal moved forward, while internal dissent grew within Fifa's own administration.
Lamour publicly criticized Infantino's leadership approach during the turmoil, stating that a president's duty is to unite and inspire people rather than cause division. He emphasized his commitment to supporting his colleagues and upholding essential organizational values.
"A president must bring people together, unite them, and inspire them. Today, we are experiencing the opposite."
Kevin Lamour
This high-level administrative fallout highlights deep governance tensions within international football regarding commercial rights management and executive authority. The pushback from key confederations like Uefa and internal figures signals a turbulent path ahead for Infantino's bid for a fourth presidential term at the upcoming Fifa Congress.
Following the abandonment of the FFE proposal, both Uefa and Concacaf withdrew their backing for Infantino's fourth term bid ahead of the Fifa Congress scheduled for March next year. Furthermore, the Scottish FA recently joined England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland in withdrawing support for the Fifa president.
Source: BBC Sport
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