FIFA COO out amid Infantino's WC plan backlash

FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour was dismissed on August 17, 2026, weeks after he publicly stated that FIFA's administration had been 'deceived' by president Gianni Infantino over a controversial plan to sell stakes in a World Cup-running company to private investors. The proposal was rejected by three continental confederations and subsequently withdrawn, prompting UEFA to threaten a boycott of all FIFA competitions. Lamour's departure is the latest consequence of the crisis, with three confederation presidents also accusing Infantino of 'deception' in an open letter published last week.