FIFA top exec fired after opposing privatization plan tied to Trump family
The world’s football governing body has fired its Chief Operating Officer (COO) Kevin Lamour after he publicly criticized the organization’s president Gianni Infantino and his plans to sell the World Cup to an investment firm tied to US President Donald Trump’s family.
FIFA said in a Monday statement that Lamour would no longer serve in his role as the organization's COO.
“FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026… FIFA thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future,” said a spokesperson.
Lamour’s dismissal comes nearly a month after he criticized Infantino and his controversial plan to privatize the World Cup under an equity investment scheme valued at $20 billion.
The scheme involved a firm run by Josh Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and was supposed to raise $4.2 billion through a subsidiary called the FIFA Forward Enterprise.
The plan sparked massive criticism in the world of football, with continental federations and FIFA member states threatening to boycott the World Cup if it went ahead.
⚽️ Earthquake in Zurich: Infantino’s FIFA presidency on the brink
— Press TV Sports (@presstvsports) August 16, 2026
A major power struggle is shaking FIFA as an unprecedented UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF alliance seeks to oust Gianni Infantino over his ties with Trump.@presstvsports pic.twitter.com/obBwKjiMHH
Infantino then swiftly withdrew the plan, fearing it could put his job as FIFA president at risk. He also begged Trump and his administration to help him keep his job amid growing calls for his resignation.
Lamour, once Infantino’s close friend and aide in the European football body, said in a statement in July that Infantino was using FIFA and football to serve his own interests.
“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… If that means I lose my job, then so be it. I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight,” he said in the statement.
Gold rush in Tashkent: Iranian lifters dominate Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships
Beheshti wins six Asian weightlifting golds as Iranian girls secure historic runner-up finish
Iran’s Zarei sets world record en route to Asian youth weightlifting gold
VIDEO | News Review: Russia warns UK against supplying Ukraine with drones
Strained US Navy leaves destroyer stranded for four days without toilets, AC or water
Red flags of vengeance fly as crowds mark 40th day of martyred Leader’s funeral
FIFA top exec fired after opposing privatization plan tied to Trump family
Why expelling US military and dismantling their assets are key to regional peace and stability
Iran warns Trump over ‘delusion’ of claiming Strait of Hormuz as US territory
VIDEO | Trump’s scandals, actions fed dissatisfaction among voters: Political analyst
Pakistan’s top court orders Imran Khan taken to hospital, allows family contact
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
