A FIFA spokesperson confirmed only that the organisation had ended its “working relationship” with Lamour, its chief operating officer, after he accused Infantino of “deceiving” staff.
The Times previously revealed plans to establish a company called FIFA Forward Enterprises, which would allow private investors to acquire commercial rights to major FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup. FIFA later abandoned the proposal following widespread criticism. But after the plans were leaked, Lamour issued a strongly worded statement to the Associated Press on July 31.
The 46-year-old executive accused Infantino of “deceiving” FIFA employees and said there was a lack of transparency in the organisation’s efforts to raise additional funds through private investment. Lamour, who had previously worked with Infantino at UEFA, directly referred to the FIFA president’s plans as “one man’s project.”
He added: “This project should not only be stopped... it is also time for those at the top of football administration to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.”
Lamour had acknowledged that speaking out could have personal consequences. “If that means I lose my job, so be it,” the French official said. “I will understand and respect the decision.”
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed his departure in a statement, saying: “FIFA and Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, have ended their working relationship. FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him all the very best for the future. No further comment will be made on this matter.”
FIFA employees were informed of Lamour’s departure through an email sent by FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström. The Times also obtained a separate email sent by Grafström to FIFA vice-presidents and members of the FIFA Council.
In that message, Grafström wrote: “FIFA and our Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour have mutually agreed to part ways.”
Lamour joined FIFA in November 2024. His departure comes after Infantino’s senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in July amid the same controversy.
Scottish FA Withdraws Support for Infantino
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) has formally withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The decision follows the controversy surrounding plans to sell the rights to host and organise the World Cup and other major FIFA tournaments to private investors.
Although FIFA eventually scrapped the proposal following intense criticism, the controversy has raised fresh questions over Infantino’s leadership. Several European football associations, particularly those under UEFA, have become increasingly vocal in their opposition.
England, Ireland, Wales and several other European football associations have already withdrawn their support for Infantino’s bid for re-election as FIFA president at next year’s FIFA Congress. Scotland has now joined them.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: “The Scottish FA will not vote for Gianni Infantino.”
Maxwell added that the SFA’s position was in line with UEFA’s stance and that the association would not change its position.
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