FIFA has sacked a senior executive who criticized Infantino, according to Sky News.

FIFA has parted ways with Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour, one of the organisation’s senior executives and a longtime colleague of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Lamour’s departure was confirmed by FIFA on August 17, 2026. The governing body said that its working relationship with Lamour had ended but did not disclose details about the terms of his departure. FIFA thanked him for his two years of service and wished him well for the future.

Lamour’s exit comes after he publicly criticised Infantino’s controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors. The proposal, reportedly valued at around $20 billion, triggered strong opposition from football officials around the world before Infantino withdrew it.

In July, Lamour accused FIFA of failing to be transparent with staff about the proposed deal and said employees had been “deceived.” He also defended his decision to speak out, saying he had a responsibility to his colleagues even if doing so put his position at FIFA at risk.

Lamour joined FIFA in November 2024 and had been closely involved in major projects and relations with football stakeholders. Before joining FIFA, he had worked in European football and politics and had been part of Infantino’s campaign team during the 2016 FIFA presidential election.

His departure comes at a difficult time for Infantino, as FIFA faces growing scrutiny over the proposed World Cup investment plan and concerns raised by several football confederations.