FIFA President Infantino seeks Trump's help to save his job

Published Aug 3, 03:47 PM UTC

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, facing severe backlash and potential resignation after his plan to sell a stake in the World Cup collapsed, has sought help from the Trump administration. Unable to reach President Trump directly, Infantino held a private call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ostensibly to discuss soccer as a form of soft power for the U.S., but sources indicate the real motive is job protection. The plan, which involved financial backing from Thrive Capital (led by Josh Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner), was criticized as another instance of FIFA corruption. The threat of a boycott from UEFA and CONCACAF has not deterred Infantino, and seeking Trump's intervention risks further angering soccer fans and cementing a corrupt relationship between FIFA and the Trump administration.