FIFA fires COO after Infantino criticism

FIFA has parted ways with its Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, less than three weeks after he publicly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino over the abandoned plan to sell a stake in a company that would manage the governing body’s commercial and ticketing rights.

Mr Lamour’s departure comes shortly after he criticised Infantino over the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial subsidiary that FIFA had planned to establish to manage commercial and event operations, including World Cup-related rights.

The proposal was eventually withdrawn following strong opposition and concerns over the consultation process.

FIFA had announced the plan on 28 July 2026, but later acknowledged that mistakes were made in how the proposal was developed and presented.

FIFA Forward Enterprise controversy

The proposed venture had been designed to raise billions of dollars by selling minority stakes to investors while managing FIFA’s commercial and event operations.

The plan sparked criticism among football stakeholders, particularly over concerns that FIFA’s Council and member associations had not been adequately involved in its development.

FIFA subsequently apologized and withdrew the proposal, saying a review would be conducted.

The development had already created tensions within FIFA, with Lamour becoming one of the senior officials to publicly question the leadership’s handling of the matter.

Infantino remains in charge

Mr Lamour’s exit comes as Infantino continues to lead FIFA following the controversy surrounding the proposed commercial structure.

The development also follows a recent decision by the Confederation of African Football to reaffirm its support for Infantino while endorsing FIFA’s admission that mistakes were made during the FIFA Forward Enterprise process.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the continental body remained committed to governance, transparency and due process while continuing to work with FIFA.

What it means for FIFA

The departure of a senior FIFA executive following public criticism of the organisation’s leadership is likely to intensify scrutiny of the governing body’s internal decision-making and governance processes.

The FIFA Forward Enterprise controversy had already raised questions about consultation, transparency and the balance of authority between FIFA’s executive leadership, its Council and member associations.

Mr Lamour’s departure therefore adds another layer to the fallout from a proposal that FIFA ultimately withdrew after facing significant criticism.