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FIFA refutes report that Infantino sought Trump backing after failed World Cup sell-off plan
FIFA on Tuesday 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 that Infantino had repeatedly tried and failed to reach Trump by phone since his proposal was abandoned on Friday 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 soccer governing body's commercial assets into a new entity backed by private investors.
FIFA's proposal to unlock up to $4.2 billion from private investors by selling a roughly 20% stake in an entity overseeing competitions including the World Cup collapsed after strong resistance from stakeholders.
With the plan shelved, attention has turned to the potential repercussions for Infantino, whose prospects of securing another term as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031 have come under increased scrutiny.
