FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, has been dismissed following his outspoken criticism of president Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell off parts of the World Cup to private investors.

Lamour, who joined FIFA less than two years ago from a previous role at UEFA, had strongly opposed Infantino’s so-called FFE scheme. In a statement issued on 31 July — the same day the plan was shelved — Lamour said FIFA’s administration had been “deceived” and accused the president of believing “he embodies FIFA when he is supposed to be at its service”. He made clear he was prepared to lose his job over his stance. “If that means I lose my job, then so be it,” he said. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight”.

His departure was confirmed on 17 August via an email to staff from FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström. A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s chief operating officer has ended on 17 August 2026. FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future. No further comment will be made on the matter”.

In the statement that appears to have hastened his exit, Lamour also said his colleagues “deserve better than contempt and intimidation” and added: “My feeling is that we all want to be proud to work for FIFA, and today, unfortunately, it seems that is no longer the case for many of us”.

Lamour had been UEFA’s deputy secretary general before joining FIFA, having first joined the European body in 2007. His dismissal is particularly notable given his longstanding working relationship with Infantino, with whom he also worked at UEFA.

The same day Lamour spoke out, one of Infantino’s senior advisers, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned in protest at the proposals. Infantino continues to face significant pressure following the collapse of his scheme, with efforts to force his removal ongoing.