FIFA Parts Ways with Operations Director Kevin Lamour After Criticism of Infantino

FIFA has ended its professional relationship with Operations Director Kevin Lamour on Monday, August 17, 2026, after weeks of his public criticism of President Gianni Infantino.

Lamour has strongly criticized the FIFA Forward Enterprise project put forward by Infantino, aimed at creating a new commercial entity for football and seeking private investments, with the possibility of selling up to 20% of the project related to the management of FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. Lamour described the project as a "one-person project" and accused FIFA management of misleading employees about it.

A FIFA spokesperson stated: "FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour, the Director of Operations, ended on August 17, 2026. FIFA thanks Kevin for two years of service and wishes him the best in the future," adding that the federation "will not make any further comment" on the matter.

According to Reuters, FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström informed staff that the two parties "agreed to part ways" following recent discussions, while Lamour's departure came after FIFA backed away from its project amid internal opposition and widespread pressure. Prominent advisor to Infantino, Carlos Cordeiro, also resigned in protest against the project.