FIFA denies Infantino sought Trump backing after failed World Cup selloff
FIFA has denied reports that President Gianni Infantino sought backing from US President Donald Trump following the collapse of a plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights. The proposal to unlock up to $4.2 billion from private investors by selling approximately 20 percent of an entity overseeing competitions including the World Cup was abandoned after stakeholder resistance.
FIFA has categorically rejected claims that its President Gianni Infantino attempted to contact US President Donald Trump's administration following the failure of a significant commercial restructuring proposal. The denial came in response to reporting that suggested Infantino had repeatedly tried to reach Trump by phone after abandoning his plan and felt isolated amid growing criticism. FIFA stated the report was "pure fiction" and confirmed that Infantino had not made any calls to the US President or members of his administration in recent days.
The failed proposal aimed to unlock substantial capital by creating a new entity to oversee World Cup and other competition commercial rights, with private investors expected to acquire approximately 20 percent of the venture. The plan was designed to generate up to $4.2 billion in funding but collapsed after encountering strong resistance from key stakeholders. The setback has raised questions about Infantino's political standing within FIFA, particularly regarding his prospects for securing another term as president covering the 2027 to 2031 period.
The relationship between Infantino and Trump has been notably close, with the two appearing together at major football events including the recent World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025, making him the first recipient of the award. The commercial venture had been expected to involve Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, which attracted additional scrutiny to the proposal.
Reporting also indicated that Infantino had scheduled private discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, US Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson stated on social media that no such talks were planned between Rubio and the FIFA president. In response to the mounting criticism, Infantino has used Instagram to amplify messages of support from member federations including those from Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Qatar, and Morocco.
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