FIFA refutes report that Infantino sought Trump backing after failed World Cup sell-off plan
FIFA has officially denied reports that President Gianni Infantino sought support from the Trump administration following the collapse of a controversial plan to sell commercial rights to private investors. The governing body labeled the claims as pure fiction amid growing scrutiny over Infantino's leadership and future term prospects.
Why it matters
The controversy highlights the intersection of global sports governance, private equity influence, and political relationships at the highest levels.
FIFA on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) dismissed as "pure fiction" a report that its President Gianni Infantino had sought support from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration after the collapse of a plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights.
The denial came after the New York Post reported on Monday (August 3) that Infantino had repeatedly tried and failed to reach Mr. Trump by phone since his proposal was abandoned on Friday (July 31) and that he felt isolated amid mounting criticism.
"The FIFA President has not made any call to the U.S. President, or any members of his administration, in recent days. It is pure fiction," FIFA said in a statement to Reuters.
The backlash has intensified over Infantino's failed plan to spin off the world football governing body's commercial assets into a new entity backed by private investors.
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