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FIFA President Infantino Sought Trump Support After World Cup Rights Deal Collapsed, NY Post Reports
FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly sought political support from the Trump administration after the collapse of his ambitious plan to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial rights, according to a report from the New York Post. The move comes as Infantino faces mounting criticism over the failed initiative.
Political Outreach Amid Criticism
Infantino made repeated but unsuccessful attempts to reach U.S. President Donald Trump by phone after the proposal was abandoned on Friday, the New York Post reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. The FIFA chief was said to feel "isolated" by negative media coverage surrounding the deal's failure.
The Post also reported that Infantino had scheduled a call with "America's top diplomat" to shore up support, according to two sources. Reuters noted that FIFA had no immediate comment, and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Collapsed $4.2 Billion Plan
The controversy stems from a plan to spin off FIFA's commercial assets, including the lucrative World Cup, into a new corporate entity. The proposal aimed to sell a stake of roughly 20% to private investors, a move intended to unlock up to $4.2 billion in capital for the global soccer governing body.
AdHowever, the plan was officially terminated last Friday following what was described as "fierce resistance from stakeholders." The retreat marked a significant setback for Infantino's strategic vision for FIFA's financial future.
Scrutiny on FIFA Leadership
The collapse of the high-profile deal has shifted focus to the potential consequences for Infantino's leadership. The 56-year-old executive's bid for another term as FIFA president, from 2027 to 2031, is now expected to face increased scrutiny.
For market observers, the reported outreach to political figures following a major commercial failure highlights potential governance pressures and strategic uncertainty at one of the world's most powerful sports organizations.
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