UEFA Vice-President Laura McAllister has labeled the departure of FIFA COO Kevin Lamour as 'deeply troubling,' citing concerns over the organization's administrative integrity.
Key facts
- •Kevin Lamour served as FIFA's Chief Operating Officer starting in 2024.
- •FIFA confirmed the end of its working relationship with Lamour on August 17, 2026.
- •Lamour previously worked at UEFA and supported Gianni Infantino’s 2016 presidential campaign.
- •The 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' project was abandoned after opposition from national associations and continental confederations.
- •No candidates have officially declared a challenge to Infantino for the upcoming March election.
UEFA Vice-President Laura McAllister stated Tuesday that FIFA’s dismissal of Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour is a deeply troubling move that weakens the organization's administration. FIFA confirmed Monday that its working relationship with Lamour ended on August 17, 2026, without providing a specific reason for the departure.
Conflict Over Investment Proposal
Lamour, a senior executive who served as COO since 2024, had publicly criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' project. The proposal sought to create a subsidiary to manage commercial rights for the World Cup and other competitions, allowing outside investors to acquire minority stakes. Lamour described the initiative as the project of one person and claimed the administration had been deceived regarding the plan.
Broader Institutional Impact
McAllister, who represents Wales on the UEFA Executive Committee, stated that the loss of a leader of Lamour's caliber undermines efforts to shift FIFA's culture toward sporting values rather than purely commercial ones. FIFA ultimately abandoned the investment proposal following threats of boycotts from UEFA’s 55 member associations and calls for a reckoning from CONCACAF. The controversy has increased pressure on Infantino ahead of the presidential election scheduled for next March.
Timeline
- 2016Kevin Lamour supported Gianni Infantino’s successful campaign for the FIFA presidency.
- 2024Kevin Lamour began his tenure as FIFA's Chief Operating Officer.
- August 17, 2026FIFA's working relationship with Kevin Lamour officially ended.
- March 2027FIFA is scheduled to hold its next presidential election.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Anadolu Agency Sport.
