FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour has left his position weeks after publicly challenging a controversial commercial proposal backed by the organisation’s president, Gianni Infantino.

Lamour was one of the most prominent internal critics of plans to establish a new commercial entity that would house some of FIFA’s most valuable assets, including rights linked to the World Cup and other major competitions.

The proposed venture was valued at about $20 billion, with plans to potentially sell up to a 20 per cent stake to private equity investors and raise an estimated $4.2 billion.

Lamour publicly opposed the proposal last month, accusing FIFA employees of being “deceived” and arguing that the organisation should prioritise football rather than the interests of any individual.

FIFA confirmed on Monday that Lamour’s working relationship with the organisation had ended, although it did not say whether he had been dismissed.

“FIFA can confirm that the working relationship between FIFA and Kevin Lamour as FIFA’s chief operating officer has ended on 17 August 2026,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

The governing body did not give a reason for Lamour’s departure and said it would make no further comment.

Lamour joined FIFA’s senior management in November 2024, although his relationship with Infantino dates back several years. He was involved in the campaign that helped the Swiss-Italian secure the FIFA presidency in 2016.

Another senior FIFA figure, Carlos Cordeiro, also opposed the commercial proposal and later resigned as an adviser to Infantino, describing the initiative as “a bad deal for football.”

Infantino subsequently withdrew the proposal following mounting opposition.

Lamour’s departure adds to growing scrutiny of FIFA’s commercial strategy and governance under Infantino, particularly over plans to monetise some of the governing body’s most valuable assets.