Cannot remove google account from Samsung android phone. Remove button greyed out

I cannot remove my google account from my android phone. Samsung XCover 4s Android 10. This is a work phone and I only used my account to download whatsapp for work communication group. I have deleted whatapp App. I understand how to go to -settings -account-tap on the gmail address I want to remove. The problem is the *Remove button* is greyed out and diabled. I can sign out of this device out from my laptop but all my contacts remain on the phone and my google account still on the phone. I have tried clearing data in playstore, google etc. I have signed in, signed out. Sync ON then OFF. I keep going back and the button is still not activated. I really need help with this. It is a privacy issue.