FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly seeking support from United States President Donald Trump as he faces growing calls to step down following the collapse of a controversial plan to sell part of the commercial rights to the FIFA World Cup.
The proposal, first reported by The Times, involved the sale of a 20 percent stake in FIFA’s flagship tournament, valued at approximately $4.2 billion (£3.1 billion), to a private equity group led by businessman Joshua Kushner.
The plan triggered strong resistance from several of football’s most influential governing bodies, including UEFA, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Their opposition ultimately forced FIFA to abandon the proposal.
With pressure mounting over his leadership, reports indicate that Infantino is now looking to strengthen political alliances in the United States.
According to The New York Post, the FIFA president is scheduled to hold discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as part of efforts to highlight football’s role in advancing American influence globally, particularly ahead of future major international tournaments.
However, unnamed sources quoted by the publication suggested the discussions may also be aimed at securing influential backing for Infantino as criticism of his leadership intensifies.
One source claimed the official purpose of the meeting is to discuss football as a form of American “soft power,” but argued that Infantino’s primary objective is to protect his position at the head of world football.
Another source described the FIFA president as increasingly isolated following widespread backlash against the now-abandoned investment proposal. The source added that Infantino is seeking public support from prominent political figures as scrutiny over his administration continues.
The reported move comes shortly after President Trump publicly distanced himself from the failed World Cup investment plan.
When asked whether Infantino had consulted him about the proposed sale of a stake in the FIFA World Cup, Trump initially responded by asking, “Who?” After the question was repeated, he stated that no such conversation had taken place.
The failed investment proposal has intensified debate over FIFA’s governance and the future direction of the organisation, with attention now focused on whether Infantino can withstand the growing pressure surrounding his presidency.
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