FIFA sacks top official after Infantino criticism

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FIFA has parted ways with its Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, less than three weeks after he publicly criticised President Gianni Infantino over an abandoned plan to sell a stake in a company that would manage the commercial and ticketing rights of FIFA competitions.

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FIFA confirmed on Monday that its working relationship with Lamour had ended, according to BBC Sport, which reported that the decision came after his criticism of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative.

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A FIFA spokesperson said, “The working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026,” adding that the governing body thanked him for his two years of service.

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Lamour had described the FFE proposal as “the project of one person” and claimed FIFA’s administration had been “deceived” about the initiative.

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He also criticised Infantino’s leadership, saying, “A president must bring people together, unite them, and inspire them. Today, we are experiencing the opposite.”

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The proposed FFE company was abandoned after plans to sell 21 per cent of it to private investment firms attracted opposition from several football bodies.

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UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation opposed the proposal, while UEFA reportedly threatened to boycott the World Cup if the plan went ahead.

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The controversy has also affected Infantino’s bid for a fourth term as FIFA president, with UEFA and Concacaf withdrawing their support for his re-election.

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The Scottish Football Association also withdrew its backing for Infantino on Monday, joining England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

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However, the confederations representing Africa, South America and Oceania have continued to support Infantino.

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