FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly sought the support of U.S. President Donald Trump after facing growing criticism over the collapse of a controversial plan to sell a stake in FIFA’s commercial rights business, according to a report published by the New York Post.
Citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, the newspaper reported on Monday that Infantino made several attempts to reach Trump by phone after FIFA abandoned the proposal last Friday. However, the report claims the U.S. president did not respond to those calls. FIFA did not immediately comment on the allegations.
According to the report, Infantino felt increasingly isolated as criticism intensified following the failure of the proposed restructuring of FIFA’s commercial assets.
The governing body had planned to transfer its commercial rights—including those related to the FIFA World Cup and other international competitions—into a newly created company and sell approximately a 20 percent stake to private investors. The move was expected to raise as much as US$4.2 billion.
However, the proposal was withdrawn on Friday after facing strong opposition from key stakeholders, triggering fresh criticism of Infantino’s leadership.
The setback has also raised new questions about Infantino’s prospects of securing another term as FIFA president for the 2027–2031 cycle.
Trump and Infantino have maintained a close relationship in recent years and have appeared together at several major football events, including activities related to the FIFA World Cup hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
