Fifa, the global governing body for association football, has announced the departure of its chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, following a contentious meeting with President Gianni Infantino. Lamour, who had been working for Fifa for two years, effectively ended his role on August 17, 2026, in a statement released by a spokesperson. The statement acknowledged Lamour’s two-year tenure and expressed wishes for his future. It declined to provide details regarding the dismissal, citing a desire to avoid speculation. BBC Sport has confirmed that Lamour’s team was informed of his departure via an email from General Secretary Mattias Grafstrom on Monday evening. Prior to this, Lamour publicly criticized Fifa’s ambitious plans to sell stakes in competitions to private investors, describing the project as “the project of one person.” He also voiced concerns about the current administration’s perceived lack of understanding regarding the abandoned Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, stating that it was “the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions.” Lamour explicitly stated that his role was “deceived” about the project’s abandonment. His departure comes amidst growing scrutiny following a series of communications between Fifa and Lamour, culminating in the email exchange with General Secretary Grafstrom. The email, received by BBC Sport, detailed a change within the Fifa Administration following careful consideration and expressed gratitude for Lamour’s contributions. The communication acknowledged a decision to part ways, emphasizing respect for Lamour’s professional conduct and personal character. The agreement to terminate the relationship was reportedly made after discussions, with Fifa and Lamour agreeing to a separation. Lamour, who joined Fifa in November 2024, previously served as deputy general secretary at Uefa and was two layers below Infantino. A letter sent to Fifa’s Council, viewed by BBC Sport, expressed the sentiment that the decision was made after careful consideration, with Grafstrom acknowledging Lamour’s contributions and expressing gratitude for his work on a daily basis. The letter also indicated that Lamour was not invited to the meeting that prompted the departure. Following the announcement, Fifa released a statement confirming the change, citing a decision made after discussions between Fifa and Lamour. The statement further explained that Lamour’s departure is a result of recent discussions and a desire to avoid speculation regarding his role. The full details of the agreement between Fifa and Lamour remain undisclosed, although the email exchange between Grafstrom and Lamour was publicly released by BBC Sport. The situation has ignited debate within the football community, with many questioning the leadership’s decision-making process and the strategic implications of the Forward Enterprise. Further updates on the situation are expected as the investigation into the departure continues. BBC Sport will continue to follow this developing story.” , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Source: BBC Football
