FIFA Dismisses Report of Infantino's Trump Outreach
FIFA has denied a report that its President, Gianni Infantino, sought support from US President Donald Trump’s administration after a plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights collapsed. The denial came after the New York Post reported that Infantino had repeatedly tried and failed to reach Trump by phone since his proposal was abandoned. FIFA labeled the report “pure fiction,” stating that Infantino has not made any calls to Trump or his administration in recent days.
The backlash against Infantino’s failed plan has intensified, with stakeholders strongly resisting the proposal to unlock up to $4.2 billion from private investors by selling a roughly 20% stake in an entity overseeing competitions including the World Cup. The collapse of the plan has put Infantino’s prospects of securing another term as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031 under increased scrutiny. Infantino has taken to Instagram to amplify messages of support from member federations, including Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Qatar, and Morocco.
The relationship between Trump and Infantino has attracted attention, with the two having appeared together at major soccer events, including this year’s World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025. However, US Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson stated that there were no plans for US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to speak with Infantino, despite reports that Infantino had scheduled private talks with Rubio.
This development comes after FIFA’s proposal to spin off its commercial assets into a new entity backed by private investors was met with strong resistance. The potential repercussions for Infantino are still unfolding, with the FIFA president facing increased pressure amid mounting criticism.
The denial by FIFA is a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the collapsed commercial rights deal. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Infantino’s relationship with Trump and other stakeholders will impact his future as FIFA president.
