FIFA divisions widen after Kevin Lamour exit

FIFA divisions have widened after Kevin Lamour left his role as chief operating officer following his public criticism of Gianni Infantino's abandoned plan to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, including World Cups.

FIFA confirmed Monday that its working relationship with Lamour ended on August 17, 2026. Lamour, a French former UEFA employee, had been in the post for less than two years.

Lamour had refused to sign off on the investment proposal and described it as “the project of one person”. The New York Times reported that five FIFA directors had been briefed on the plan on the eve of last month's World Cup final.

Infantino's special adviser Carlos Cordeiro also resigned. Cordeiro wrote that the proposal was “a bad deal for FIFA's member associations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of the game”.

FIFA scrapped the plan days after launching it on July 28. Secretary general Mattias Grafstrom told staff in an email that “individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go” but FIFA's mission continued. Arsene Wenger, FIFA's chief of global football development, said it was “absolutely necessary” to drop the proposal.

UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF issued a joint statement last week criticising Infantino's leadership. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is widely seen as a possible challenger to Infantino, who is seeking a fourth and final term in an election in Rabat next March.

UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister said FIFA's dismissal of Lamour sent a “deeply troubling message” to people seeking change. She said it weakened FIFA's administration and undermined a chance to shift the organisation's culture.

Support inside football remains divided. CAF and CONMEBOL back Infantino, while several Asian associations have also publicly supported him. Qatar criticised the AFC for not consulting members before joining the statement against Infantino, and AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa rejected claims that he exceeded his authority.

Mexico did not openly attack CONCACAF's stance, while the Oceania Football Confederation stopped short of calling for Infantino to leave. New Zealand withdrew support for Infantino's re-election.