FIFA confirmed on Monday that Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour left the organisation on August 17, 2026.
Lamour’s departure came weeks after he publicly criticised Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial rights.
Lamour joined FIFA’s senior leadership in November 2024. Earlier, he had supported Infantino’s successful campaign for the FIFA presidency in 2016.
Lamour Criticised Commercial Rights Plan
Last month, Lamour said FIFA staff had been deceived over the proposed commercial rights deal. He also described it as “the project of one person.”
The proposal involved creating a $20 billion subsidiary. FIFA planned to sell up to a 20% stake to private equity investors.
However, the plan faced immediate resistance from senior figures and football confederations. Carlos Cordeiro, a senior Infantino adviser, also resigned in protest.
Infantino withdrew the proposal later that day. Nevertheless, criticism surrounding the plan continued to grow.
Reelection Bid Faces Growing Opposition
Infantino now faces increasing opposition ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March next year.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have raised concerns about his leadership and conduct.
Meanwhile, human rights organisation FairSquare urged FIFA’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee to rule Infantino ineligible for another term.
FairSquare argued that FIFA rules limit presidents to three terms. However, Infantino previously excluded his 2016–2019 term from the limit.
The Scottish Football Association also announced it would not support his reelection.
Therefore, Infantino’s once-secure bid for a fourth term now faces growing uncertainty.
Meta description: FIFA COO Kevin Lamour leaves after criticising Gianni Infantino’s commercial rights plan as opposition to his reelection campaign grows.
