Love sidelined by FIFA after his criticism of Infantino

On August 17, 2026, Kevin Lamour, FIFA's Chief Operating Officer, was fired. In a statement, FIFA confirmed the end of its collaboration with Lamour as COO. The decision comes after his criticism of President Gianni Infantino, particularly regarding his plan to sell the commercial rights to the World Cup.

FIFA simply stated: "FIFA confirms that the professional relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as Chief Operating Officer ended on August 17, 2026." No further explanation was provided regarding the exact reasons for his dismissal. Several internal FIFA sources confirmed to Inside World Football that Lamour was removed due to his public stance against Infantino. This incident is part of a growing climate of tension within FIFA. The controversial plan to sell the commercial rights to the 2026 World Cup, led by Infantino, had already sparked strong opposition. Lamour, who had publicly spoken out against this initiative on July 31, 2026, has now become the latest casualty of these strategic disagreements.

A brutal end to collaboration

Kevin Lamour's dismissal occurred less than a month after his critical remarks about FIFA's leadership. According to information gathered by Inside World Football, his removal was decided hastily, without a formal dismissal process. Internal sources mention a financial settlement to conclude his tenure at the organization, without specifying the amount of this compensation. Observers highlight that this decision could deepen internal tensions within FIFA. Some see it as an attempt to silence dissenting voices, while others believe Lamour paid the price for his outright opposition to Infantino's strategy. No official reaction has been recorded from Lamour since his dismissal.

A tense climate surrounding commercial rights

The project to sell the commercial rights to the 2026 World Cup, championed by Gianni Infantino, remains at the heart of controversies. Lamour had denounced this plan, deeming it too risky for FIFA's image and for member federations. His criticisms were echoed by several media outlets, fueling a debate on the governance of world football. This affair echoes recent turbulence within FIFA, where Infantino's strategic choices are divisive. While some see them as necessary modernization, others denounce a lack of transparency and excessive concentration of power. Lamour, a technical figure within the institution, has unwittingly become the symbol of these disagreements.