FIFA faces a growing leadership crisis after Lamour’s outspoken criticism of a controversial World Cup investment proposal.

FIFA’s internal revolt is getting louder.

FIFA is facing renewed questions over leadership, transparency and accountability after Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour was dismissed following his public criticism of President Gianni Infantino and a controversial proposal involving the commercial rights of the World Cup.

Lamour’s departure comes only weeks after he publicly challenged a proposed restructuring that would have placed FIFA’s commercial assets—including World Cup-related business—inside a new company with private investors holding a minority stake. The proposal was ultimately withdrawn after widespread opposition from football organizations and senior FIFA figures.

For critics of FIFA’s leadership, the episode has become a test of whether the organization can maintain transparency when enormous amounts of money and political influence are involved.

A Plan That Triggered a Revolt

The controversy began when Infantino proposed creating a roughly $20 billion commercial subsidiary covering FIFA’s major tournament business. Under the proposal, about 20% of the new entity would have been owned by private investors.

The plan immediately encountered resistance from major football bodies, including UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation. FIFA eventually abandoned the proposal after acknowledging that it had become too divisive.