3.8.2026
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 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 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 plan to unlock up to $4.2 billion from private investors by selling a roughly 20% stake in a new entity overseeing competitions including the World Cup ended in retreat on Friday after fierce resistance from stakeholders.
Meanwhile Sweden, Serbia and Wales have withdrawn their support for FIFAInfantino’s re-election bid on Monday and England’s is expected to do the same.
The backlash against the head of world soccer’s ruling body has intensified following his failed plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. Reuters reports