FIFA’s Infantino sought Trump backing after World Cup sell-off plan: Report

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced significant organizational turmoil following the collapse of an ambitious plan to privatize portions of the world football governing body's commercial operations. The proposal involved creating a new entity backed by private investors that would oversee major competitions including the World Cup, with the transaction designed to generate approximately $4.2 billion in capital. Stakeholder resistance proved decisive, forcing Infantino to abandon the initiative on Friday after mounting criticism from multiple quarters.

The failed privatization effort has created substantial political complications for Infantino's leadership position. According to reporting, the FIFA chief attempted multiple times to contact the Trump administration for support following the plan's collapse, reportedly feeling isolated by negative media coverage. The relationship between Infantino and Trump has been notably close, with the two appearing together at major football events and Infantino presenting Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025.

The privatization proposal had been structured around Thrive Capital, a firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, creating potential political dimensions to the transaction. Following the plan's abandonment, Infantino reportedly scheduled discussions with US State Department officials, though the State Department subsequently denied that any such call was scheduled. The failed initiative now threatens to complicate Infantino's campaign for re-election to lead FIFA through 2031, as stakeholders reassess his strategic judgment and organizational leadership.