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FIFA dismisses as 'pure fiction' report Infantino sought Trump support after failed World Cup rights sale
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FIFA has dismissed as 'pure fiction' a New York Post report that its President Gianni Infantino sought support from U.S. President Donald Trump after the collapse of a plan to sell a 20% stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors. The proposal, which aimed to unlock up to $4.2 billion, was abandoned on July 31, 2026, following strong resistance from stakeholders. The backlash has intensified, putting Infantino's prospects for re-election from 2027 to 2031 under increased scrutiny. The report also claimed Infantino scheduled talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but a State Department official denied any such plans. Infantino and Trump have a close relationship, with Trump receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025. Thrive Capital, founded by Jared Kushner's brother, was expected to play a leading role in the venture.
Source report
Updated - August 08, 2026 10:24 pm IST
Reuters
FIFA on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) 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 (August 3) that Infantino had repeatedly tried and failed to reach Mr. Trump by phone since his proposal was abandoned on Friday (July 31), 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.
Backlash Intensifies Over Failed Commercial Spin-Off
The backlash has intensified over Infantino's failed plan to spin off the world football 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.
Infantino-Trump Relationship Under Scrutiny
Mr. Trump and Infantino have forged a close relationship, appearing together at major soccer events including this year's World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025, making him the first recipient of the award.
The relationship attracted further attention because Thrive Capital — founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner — had been expected to play a leading role in the proposed commercial rights venture.
No Plans for Rubio Meeting
The New York Post also reported that Infantino had scheduled private talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said in a post on X on Monday (August 3) that there were no plans for Rubio to speak with the 56-year-old FIFA president.
Public Support Campaign
Infantino has taken to Instagram to amplify messages of support from member federations including Sri Lanka, Kuwait, Qatar, and Morocco.
Published - August 05, 2026 12:30 am IST
Source
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FIFA President Infantino Plans to Sell World Cup Stakes to Private Investors