FIFA has sacked its chief operating officer and former UEFA deputy secretary general, Kevin Lamour, following his comments criticising President Gianni Infantino over his bid to sell parts of the World Cup to private investors.

Mr Lamour’s dismissal was confirmed by a FIFA spokesperson, who said the COO would be relieved of his responsibilities effective Monday.

“FIFA  can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s chief operating officer has ended on 17 August 2026,” the spokesperson said. “FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future.”

The Frenchman opposed FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell off parts of the World Cup to private entities, describing the move as a one-person project.

He said, “Our mission is to serve football, not to serve the personal interests of a person who, unfortunately, believes he embodies FIFA when he is supposed to be at its service.”

UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF have condemned Mr Infantino’s World Cup sale as a breach of trust and threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions.

Carlos Cordeiro, senior adviser to Mr Infantino, resigned in protest in July, rejecting the governing body’s attempt to sell parts of the World Cup.

The Football Association of Ireland and the Scottish FA have also withdrawn their support from Mr Infantino ahead of FIFA’s next presidential election.