Infantino sought Trump backing after failed World Cup sell-off plan, sources say
FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly sought support from Donald Trump following the collapse of a controversial plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights. The failed initiative has left Infantino facing internal criticism and scrutiny regarding his leadership.
Why it matters
The intersection of global sports governance and political influence raises questions about the transparency and future direction of major international sporting bodies.
Infantino repeatedly tried and failed to reach Trump by phone since his proposal to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights collapsed on Friday, sources say. Dylan Martinez/Reuters
FIFA President Gianni Infantino sought support from the Trump administration amid mounting criticism after his abandoned plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights, the New York Post said on Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The Post reported that Mr. Infantino had repeatedly tried and failed to reach U.S. President Donald Trump by phone since the proposal collapsed on Friday, and that the FIFA chief felt “isolated” by an avalanche of negative media coverage.
Criticism has intensified over Mr. Infantino’s failed plan to spin off the world soccer governing body’s commercial assets into a new entity backed by private investors.
Cathal Kelly: Given the way it’s carried on, why does FIFA continue to exist?
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in