FIFA sacks senior executive who criticised Infantino, Sky News understands

Football's world governing body, FIFA, has sacked one of its most senior figures after he criticised Gianni Infantino's plan to sell part of the World Cup to investors, Sky News understands.

FIFA did not comment on the terms of chief operating officer Kevin Lamour's departure.

Lamour, a longtime colleague of FIFA president Infantino, earlier said FIFA staff had been "deceived".

In a statement, 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."

Sky News understands FIFA staff were informed about his departure tonight.

Lamour was part of Infantino's inner circle that campaigned for him to become the surprise winner of the FIFA presidential election in 2016. He came to football from politics two decades ago as an aide to then-UEFA president Michel Platini.

Sky News has obtained a letter sent to FIFA vice presidents and council members by Mattias Grafstrom, the FIFA secretary general.

The letter says: "Following recent discussions, FIFA and our Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour have agreed to part ways.

"This decision was made after careful consideration and with great respect for Kevin, both personally and professionally."

It continues: "Kevin joined FIFA in November 2024 and in this time has overseen a period of significant change, including improved relationships with stakeholders and the delivery of several significant projects of joint interest, amongst many other key achievements.

"You will have seen Kevin present in each FIFA Council meeting since his appointment in 2024, and many of you will have had a regular working relationship with Kevin on projects of various kinds since his joining FIFA.

"I felt it was important that I personally provide you this update and I would like to express my gratitude to Kevin for these contributions and for his work and commitment on behalf of FIFA on a daily basis. I wish Kevin all the best for the future."

Infantino faced a revolt after his plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors. He withdrew the $20bn (15bn) proposal after a furious backlash by global football officials, including UEFA, which warned of a boycott of all FIFA games and events.

Lamour, 45, wrote in July that staff were "deceived" by Infantino's lack of openness in planning the sale over recent months and "deserve better than contempt and intimidation".

His statement came hours after Infantino's senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned and urged other senior FIFA staff to speak out.

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Lamour said he had a duty to his colleagues in the statement.

"And if that means I lose my job then so be it," the French official said. "I will understand and respect that decision. At least I'll sleep well tonight."

Last week, UEFA, the ​Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF called for a review of Infantino's conduct following the fallout from the proposal.

However, US President Donald Trump has warned FIFA would be making a "terrible mistake" if it got rid Infantino, who has apologised for the sell-off plan.

He also retains the backing of the African and South American confederations.

(c) Sky News 2026: FIFA sacks senior executive who criticised Infantino, Sky News understands