FIFA ousts operations chief who criticized Infantino's privatization plan

FIFA confirmed on Monday that it has parted ways with its chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, weeks after he publicly criticized President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell a stake in the organization's commercial business. The move deepens the crisis surrounding Infantino's leadership ahead of elections scheduled for March 2027 Source: elcolombiano.

The dismissal

A FIFA spokesperson said the working relationship with Lamour, who joined in November 2024, ended on 17 August 2026, thanking him for "two years of service" and wishing him luck, without giving reasons Source: larepublicaco. Lamour had called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan "the project of a single person" and said staff had been "deceived," adding he was prepared to lose his job Source: elmundoes.

The plan and its fallout

FFE was a proposed subsidiary valued at US$20 billion that would manage the World Cup and other tournaments, with up to 20% sold to private investors to raise US$4.2 billion Source: infobae. The plan was withdrawn after opposition from UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF, which accused Infantino of "deception" and threatened a boycott Source: abces. Lamour's dismissal follows the resignation of senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro, who called the plan "a bad deal for football" Source: larepublicaco.

What's next

Infantino faces growing pressure, with the Scottish FA withdrawing support and confederations calling for an independent review Source: elmundoes. The election for a fourth term is set for March 2027, with a candidate deadline of 18 November Source: elmundoes. Lamour had said he would "sleep peacefully" even if he lost his job Source: clarin.