FIFA parts ways with COO Kevin Lamour after public clash with Infantino

FIFA has confirmed that Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour is no longer with the organisation, bringing an end to a working relationship that soured after he publicly criticised President Gianni Infantino's leadership.

The governing body announced on 17 August that its association with Lamour had concluded, thanking him for two years of service and wishing him well for the future. FIFA declined to offer further comment on the matter.

Lamour's departure follows a period of internal turmoil over a proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary to manage FIFA's tournaments, including the World Cup, and sell up to a 20% stake to outside investors. Lamour had voiced strong opposition to the plan last month, alleging that staff had been "deceived" and describing the initiative as "the project of one person."

In a statement at the time, Lamour stressed that FIFA's mission was to serve football, not the personal interests of an individual who, in his view, appeared to believe he embodied the organisation rather than served it.

The criticism came just hours after Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, resigned in protest, calling the proposal "a bad deal for football." The plan was eventually abandoned by FIFA following the widespread backlash from within and outside the organisation.