FIFA Refutes Report That Infantino Sought Trump Backing After Failed World Cup Sell-off Plan

FIFA has vehemently denied a report alleging that its President, Gianni Infantino, attempted to secure backing from the Donald Trump administration following the failure of a plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights. The organization dismissed the report as "pure fiction."

The New York Post had reported that Infantino repeatedly tried and failed to contact Trump by phone since the proposal's collapse on Friday. The report suggested Infantino felt increasingly isolated amid mounting criticism.

The backlash stems from Infantino's ambitious plan to generate up to $4.2 billion by selling a roughly 20% stake in a new entity that would oversee commercial assets, including the World Cup. The plan faltered due to strong opposition from stakeholders.

With the commercial rights venture shelved, scrutiny has intensified on Infantino's leadership and his prospects for re-election as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031. Infantino and Trump have maintained a close relationship, often appearing together at major football events. Infantino even presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025.

The connection between Infantino and the Trump administration also drew attention due to Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, which was slated to be a key player in the proposed venture. Despite the report, a US Assistant Secretary of State stated there were no plans for Secretary of State Marco Rubio to speak with Infantino.

“

The FIFA President has not made ‌any ⁠call to the ⁠US President, or any members of his administration, in recent days. It is pure fiction.