FIFA Official Sacked After Criticising Infantino

Senior FIFA official Kevin Lamour has been dismissed by football's world governing body three weeks after publicly criticising president Gianni Infantino, according to sources close to the organisation.

The Dismissal and Its Timing

The removal of Kevin Lamour from his position at FIFA has raised eyebrows across the football world. The timing — just three weeks after he voiced criticism of Infantino's leadership — has led to widespread speculation about whether the two events are connected. FIFA has not issued a detailed public statement explaining the reasons for the dismissal.

Lamour's criticism reportedly centred on concerns about governance transparency and the direction of the organisation under Infantino's leadership. The speed of his departure following those comments has drawn attention from football administrators and observers alike.

The incident adds to a growing list of controversies surrounding FIFA's senior leadership, which has faced scrutiny over a range of issues including commercial partnerships, governance reforms, and decision-making processes.

Context: Infantino's Controversial Presidency

Gianni Infantino has served as FIFA president since 2016, having been re-elected in 2019 and 2023. He is widely expected to seek another term in 2027, but his presidency has been marked by a series of contentious decisions and public disagreements with member federations.

The recent collapse of FIFA's plan to sell a 20% stake in a new commercial subsidiary to private investors — following opposition from UEFA and national federations — exposed deepening divisions within the organisation. The proposal was abandoned in early August after a sustained backlash.

Infantino has also faced criticism for his handling of various governance issues, including the expansion of the World Cup and the awarding of tournaments to specific host nations. His relationship with several European federations has become increasingly strained.

Scottish FA Adds to Growing Opposition

The Scottish Football Association's decision to withdraw support for Infantino's 2027 re-election bid follows similar moves by the English, Welsh, and Irish football associations. The collective opposition from the British home nations represents a significant challenge to Infantino's prospects.

The Scottish FA's announcement was made on 17 August 2026, just a day before the news of Lamour's dismissal emerged. The federation cited concerns about the direction of FIFA governance and a desire for greater transparency in the organisation's leadership.

These developments come against a backdrop of broader discontent among several European confederations. UEFA has previously clashed with FIFA over various commercial and governance matters, and the relationship between the two organisations remains tense.

What Happens Next

The convergence of these events — a senior official's dismissal, the Scottish FA's opposition, and the earlier collapse of the private investment plan — paints a picture of an organisation facing significant internal and external pressure. Infantino's path to re-election in 2027, if he chooses to run, appears more complicated than in previous campaigns.

FIFA's governance structure means that the president is elected by the member federations. While Infantino has traditionally commanded support from a broad coalition of Asian, African, and South American associations, the growing opposition from European bodies could shift the dynamics of any future election.

The coming months are likely to see further developments as federations assess their positions and potential challengers emerge. The football world will be watching closely to see how FIFA navigates these governance challenges.