Infantino’s clash leads to Kevin Lamour’s abrupt exit from FIFA

FIFA has terminated the employment of its Director General of Operations, Kevin Lamour, with immediate effect, a move linked to his recent public criticism of President Gianni Infantino. The decision was announced on Monday and follows Lamour’s outspoken remarks about a proposed commercial project for the World Cup.

Lamour, who has held the operations post since November 2024, was reported by English media to have targeted Infantino directly. He also denounced the abandoned plan to open part of the Coupe du monde commercial activities to private investors.

Lamour’s public criticism

At the end of July he told the Associated Press that the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) had misled staff, describing it as “the project of a single person”. He added that the initiative should not proceed and called for football leaders to ask the right questions.

Lamour warned that his comments might cost him his job, saying, “Si cela signifie que je perds mon emploi, qu’il en soit ainsi. I will understand and respect this decision, and I will sleep well tonight.”

FIFA confirms departure

FIFA confirmed on Monday that its partnership with Kevin Lamour ended on 17 August 2026. The organisation thanked him for two years of service and wished him the best for the future.

British outlets such as the Times and reported that Lamour was dismissed, although FIFA has not officially confirmed the termination. Sky noted that FIFA staff were informed of his exit on Monday evening.

Lamour is the second senior official to leave amid the Forward controversy. The senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned in July after also opposing the project.