FIFA's Infantino Turns to Trump Amid World Cup Sell-Off Backlash
FIFA President Gianni Infantino sought support from US President Donald Trump after his plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights collapsed. The failed initiative, which aimed to unlock up to $4.2 billion from private investors, has drawn intense global backlash, leaving Infantino isolated ahead of FIFA’s 2027 presidential election. Soccer stakeholders, including UEFA, fiercely opposed the plan, forcing FIFA to scrap it.
Infantino had repeatedly tried to reach Trump by phone since the proposal collapsed on Friday, but was unsuccessful. The FIFA chief felt “isolated” by an avalanche of negative media coverage. Trump and Infantino have a close relationship, with the two appearing together at major soccer events, including this year’s World Cup co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
The $4.2 billion deal was set to be anchored by Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Infantino had also scheduled private talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but the US Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said there were “no plans” for Rubio to speak with Infantino.
This development comes as Infantino’s bid for another term as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031 faces increased scrutiny following the failed initiative. The collapse of the World Cup sell-off plan has significant implications for the future of soccer’s governing body and its commercial assets.
In a similar controversy, UEFA reacted to FIFA backing down on World Cup sell-off plans, calling it a “victory for the whole game.” The failed initiative has sparked intense debate about the role of private investors in soccer and the governance of the sport.
