FIFA crisis: Trump's 'help' for Infantino denied, but support lingers in the shadows

Gianni Infantino, the embattled president of FIFA, has reportedly reached out to Donald Trump for support in his bid to stay in power. The New York Post revealed that Infantino requested a phone call with the U.S. president's administration, seeking "public support" amidst a deluge of criticism over his commercial projects and leadership.

Sources told the New York Post that Infantino's initiative was driven by a desire to prove football's potential as a soft power tool for the United States, but insiders suggested his primary motive was self-preservation. This plea for help reportedly came after Infantino abandoned his commercial venture project, which had been valued at $4.2 billion and involved Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump's son-in-law. Trump himself had previously dismissed any consultation with Infantino regarding the project with a simple "no."

The U.S. State Department has officially denied any contact with Infantino. Deputy Assistant Secretary Dylan Johnson stated on X that Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, had no scheduled meetings or calls with Infantino, urging the New York Post to "check its sources." FIFA also denied the reported call.

However, The Telegraph reports that Trump has not entirely abandoned Infantino, whom he has frequently referred to as "my friend Gianni." According to the British newspaper, citing White House sources, the former U.S. president intends to "do everything possible to prevent Gianni Infantino from being overthrown."

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Trump va «faire tout son possible pour empêcher Gianni Infantino d’être renversé».