FIFA has sacked Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour after he criticised president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private equity investors.
Lamour, a longtime ally of Infantino, had accused FIFA of being “deceived” by the lack of transparency surrounding the proposal.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA's Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026.
“FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future.”
Lamour's departure came on the same day Infantino lost the support of the Scottish Football Association.
Sky News obtained a letter sent to FIFA vice-presidents and council members by FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom.
“Following recent discussions, FIFA and our Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, have agreed to part ways,” Grafstrom wrote.
“This decision was made after careful consideration and with great respect for Kevin, both personally and professionally.”
He added that Lamour had overseen “a period of significant change” since joining FIFA in November 2024, including improved relationships with stakeholders and the delivery of several major projects.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Kevin for these contributions and for his work and commitment on behalf of FIFA on a daily basis,” Grafstrom said. “I wish Kevin all the best for the future.”
Infantino faced a major backlash after proposing to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors. He subsequently withdrew the $20bn (£15bn) plan following opposition from football officials around the world, including UEFA, which had warned it could boycott FIFA matches and events.
Lamour, 45, wrote in July that FIFA staff had been “deceived” by Infantino's lack of openness during the planning process and “deserve better than contempt and intimidation”.
His statement came hours after Infantino's senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned and urged other senior FIFA staff to speak out.
Lamour said he felt a duty to defend his colleagues.
“And if that means I lose my job then so be it,” the French official said. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I'll sleep well tonight.”
Last week, UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF called for a review of Infantino's conduct following the fallout over the proposal.
However, US President Donald Trump has warned that FIFA would be making a “terrible mistake” if it removed Infantino, who has apologised for the plan.
Infantino continues to have the backing of the African and South American confederations.
Lamour was part of Infantino's inner circle during the campaign that saw him become the surprise winner of the FIFA presidential election in 2016.
He entered football from politics two decades ago, working as an aide to then-UEFA president Michel Platini.
