FIFA sack chief operating officer Kevin Lamour after he criticised Gianni Infantino’s plans to sell part of World Cup to investors

Internal friction leads to high-profile exit

The hierarchy at FIFA has been rocked following the news that chief operating officer Lamour has been relieved of his duties. The decision comes after a significant breakdown in the relationship between Lamour and FIFA president Infantino.

Reports indicate that the primary catalyst for this sudden departure was Lamour's vocal opposition to a controversial proposal that would see a portion of the FIFA World Cup sold to outside investors. This internal clash has highlighted growing divisions within the governing body as it seeks new avenues for revenue generation ahead of expanded global competitions.

Lamour told AP that staff had been “deceived” by Infantino regarding the FFE plan, which would have seen world soccer’s governing body make stakes in the World Cup available for private investment.