Kevin Lamour: The hidden FIFA executive who challenged Infantino
FIFA's Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour has publicly criticized Gianni Infantino's projects, marking an unprecedented moment of internal dissent within the organization's top brass.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0 / Author: Пресс-служба Президента России
French official Kevin Lamour has moved into the spotlight after publicly criticizing the project of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Despite holding one of the most senior executive positions within the global governing body, Lamour did not hesitate to voice his opposition, effectively putting his career at stake.
Known for his discretion, Lamour has spent two decades working behind the scenes in football administration. He has avoided the media for years, keeping a low profile even as his career progressed from an unpaid trainee under Michel Platini in 2006 to a key figure at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, where he worked alongside the future FIFA president.
Since November 2024, Lamour has served as FIFA's Chief Operating Officer, positioned as the third-highest-ranking official behind Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom. His broad portfolio includes financial, legal, communications, and technological oversight.
This is the project of just one person... indeed, the time has come for football's political leaders to ask the right questions, and take the right decisions. FIFA's employees have been deceived, and they deserve better than contempt and intimidation. And if that means I will lose my job, so be it. I will understand and respect this decision. At least I will sleep with a clear conscience tonight. Kevin Lamour
His criticism, specifically regarding a failed project to sell stakes in the World Cup, has sent shockwaves through the organization. Respected by colleagues like Andriy Shevchenko and Lise Klaveness for his rare combination of diplomacy and firmness, Lamour's willingness to speak out marks a significant departure from his usual discreet operational role.