Infantino sought Trump’s backing after a failed World Cup sell-out plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino sought support from the Trump administration amid mounting criticism following his abandoned plan to sell a stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights. On monday New York Post reporte, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The Post reported that Infantino had repeatedly tried and failed to reach US President Donald Trump by phone since the proposal collapsed on Friday. FIFA chief felt “isolated” by a barrage of negative media coverage.

FIFA did not immediately comment.

The criticism has intensified over Infantino’s failed plan to spin off the commercial assets of world soccer’s governing body into a new entity backed by private investors. According to the New York Post on Monday, citing people with knowledge of the situation. FIFA President Gianni Infantino turned to the Trump administration for backing in the face of growing criticism over his shelved plan to sell a portion of the World Cup’s commercial rights.

After fierce opposition from stakeholders, FIFA withdrew its intention to raise up to $4.2 billion from private investors by selling around a 20% share in a new organization that manages events, including the World Cup, on Friday.

With the idea abandoned, attention has now turned to the potential repercussions for Infantino. Whose bid for another term as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031 faces increased scrutiny following the failed attempt.

Trump and Infantino have forged a close relationship, appearing together at major soccer events, including this year’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The relationship has attracted further attention because of FIFA’s massive World Cup bid. The deal that was to be anchored by Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.