‘Paralyse FIFA’: Breakaway WC threat in stunning ultimatum as boss plays desperate Trump card
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing intense pressure from UEFA, with reports suggesting U.S. President Donald Trump is intervening to support his leadership. The controversy stems from a failed plan to sell a stake in a FIFA subsidiary to private investors.
Why it matters
The intersection of global sports governance and high-level political influence highlights the increasing commercialization and geopolitical stakes of international football.
FOOTBALL ‘Paralyse FIFA’: Breakaway WC threat in stunning ultimatum as boss plays desperate Trump card Pressure grows on Infantino and FIFA | 00:52 Dane Heverin and AFP from Fox Sports August 4th, 2026 10:20 am US president Donald Trump will allegedly do “everything possible” to help Gianni Infantino remain as FIFA president as massive pressure comes from European governing body UEFA.
Infantino’s presidency is under threat after his failed scheme to sell off 20 to 30 per cent of a new subsidiary to private investors.
Get all the latest football news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
The plan was met with widespread condemnation around the football world with the severe backlash ultimately leading to Infantino and FIFA to scrap the plan - which would have resulted in Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner’s company owning part of the World Cup.
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