Fifa chief sought Trump backing after failed WC sell-off plan, US rejects report
The reported outreach comes as Gianni Infantino faces mounting scrutiny after Fifa abandoned its controversial World Cup commercial rights sell-off plan.
Fifa President Gianni Infantino sought support from the Trump administration after his controversial World Cup commercial rights sell-off plan collapsed, according to a New York Post report.
However, the US State Department denied claims that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was scheduled to speak with the football chief.
US Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said in a post on X that there were "no plans" for Rubio to speak with Infantino and that "there is no call this morning."
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The denial came after the New York Post, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that Infantino had repeatedly tried to contact US President Donald Trump by phone after abandoning a proposal to sell a stake in Fifa's World Cup commercial rights business. The report said Infantino felt "isolated" amid mounting criticism over the failed initiative.
Fifa did not immediately comment on the report.
The governing body's proposal sought to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling roughly a 20% stake in a new entity managing the commercial rights of major competitions, including the World Cup.
However, the plan was shelved on Friday after strong opposition from stakeholders.
The collapse of the proposal has intensified scrutiny of Infantino's leadership, with attention also turning to his expected bid for another term as Fifa president for 2027-2031.
Trump and Infantino have developed a close relationship in recent years, appearing together at several major football events, including this year's World Cup co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
The relationship also drew attention because the proposed commercial venture was expected to be backed by Thrive Capital, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The New York Post had also reported that Infantino was due to hold private talks with Rubio shortly after 9 am ET, a claim that the State Department publicly rejected.
