FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour was dismissed on August 17, 2026, following his public criticism of President Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights of FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Lamour called the aborted private investment plan "the project of one person" and accused staff of being "deceived" over the proposal [6, 1, 2, 3, 4]. He had served as COO for less than two years before his dismissal [6, 7, 4].
The dismissal has fueled growing opposition against Infantino, with several FIFA vice-presidents and confederations calling for his resignation [1, 2, 5, 3, 4]. Hungarian FIFA vice-president and Football Federation chief Sandor Csanyi publicly withdrew his support on August 19, calling Lamour’s firing the "final straw" and denouncing Infantino’s professional judgment and ethics in a letter [1, 2, 5, 3, 4]. Csanyi praised Lamour’s contributions, saying, "Kevin performed his duties to a high professional and ethical standard and, as a highly competent executive, made a significant contribution to the transparent operation of the organisation." [2].
Other FIFA vice-presidents who have opposed Infantino include UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, Asian Football Confederation head Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, and CONCACAF President Vittorio Montagliani [1, 2, 3]. Montenegro FIFA Council member Dejan Savicevic also withdrew support, citing governance and transparency concerns [1, 2, 3]. UEFA has strongly objected to Infantino continuing as FIFA president and threatened boycotts of FIFA events if he remains in office [4]. UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister criticized Lamour’s dismissal as "deeply troubling," saying it weakens FIFA's administration and reform efforts [6, 4].
Infantino, 56, is seeking reelection for a fourth term as FIFA president in March 2027 [1, 2, 3, 4]. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s chief of global football development, supported scrapping the private investment plan but said they were unaware of its details [6, 7]. Grafstrom noted, "Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue." [6] Wenger said it was “absolutely necessary” to cancel the plan [6].
The controversy around Lamour’s dismissal and Infantino’s leadership has led to half of FIFA’s eight vice-presidents withdrawing support for him [5, 4]. The private investment plan that sparked the crisis was launched on July 28, 2026, but was publicly scrapped three days later on July 31 [6, 7]. The tensions are now intensifying months ahead of the election.
The next major milestone will be the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027, where Infantino will seek another term amid significant internal dissent [1, 2, 3, 4].
