FIFA COO Kevin Lamour Departs Amid Infantino’s Controversial World Cup Plan Fallout

Kevin Lamour has officially left his position as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer as of August 17, 2026. His departure follows his earlier assertions that FIFA’s administration was “deceived” by Gianni Infantino regarding a contentious proposal to sell stakes in a company responsible for running the World Cup. This sale plan faced backlash and was ultimately rejected by three continental confederations before it was withdrawn, prompting UEFA to threaten a boycott of all FIFA competitions.

FIFA confirmed Lamour’s exit on Monday, with a spokesperson acknowledging his two years of service and wishing him well for the future. The announcement occurred after FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom informed staff via email, thanking Lamour for his efforts in improving relations with various stakeholders in football.

Notably, Lamour’s departure coincided with a significant loss of support for Infantino from the Scottish Football Association (SFA). SFA Chief Executive Ian Maxwell stated on Monday, “The Scottish FA will not be voting for Gianni Infantino,” aligning with UEFA’s position. Maxwell expressed concerns over the administration’s visibility and governance, stating, “Something has gone wrong if the focus… has now become off-the-field incidents rather than on the field.” He emphasized the need for improved transparency and engagement with member associations.

The pressure on Infantino continues to mount in light of an open letter from three confederation presidents accusing him of deception. The letter aimed to provide Infantino an opportunity to resign; otherwise, his opponents might seek a candidate to challenge him in next year’s Congress.

Additionally, advocacy organization FairSquare has questioned Infantino’s eligibility for re-election, arguing that his previous term from 2016 to 2019 should not be discounted under FIFA’s presidential term limits. Miguel Maduro, former chair of FIFA’s governance committee, noted that Infantino’s bid for a fourth term appears to conflict with FIFA statutes, insisting that review committee members must address this eligibility concern directly.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn