US President Donald Trump 'will do everything he can' to rescue Gianni Infantino's position as FIFA president, according to an inside source. The FIFA chief's role is hanging in the balance after his controversial proposal to sell off a stake in a new FIFA entity faced fierce opposition and was scrapped, yet demands persist that Infantino should step down.
Trump's support revealed
A senior administration official with close ties to both men revealed that Trump will back Infantino's campaign to stay on as FIFA chief. The official said the president holds Infantino in high regard after he delivered the US the "best World Cup ever".
This support may hardly come as a shock given the pair's relationship came under scrutiny during the recent World Cup, amid allegations of corruption. During this year's tournament, co-hosted by the US, Trump revealed he contacted the FIFA boss to protest after a red card was shown to the USA's star striker, with his one-match suspension subsequently overturned. This episode triggered fierce debate about political meddling in football.
Insider's words
"Gianni helped us a lot to deliver the best World Cup ever. The president likes him a lot. I am sure the president will do everything possible to help him," the source told The Telegraph. "I don't think the president will change his mind on him, because he is a loyal person. Gianni really delivered the World Cup for the United States. We value that."
Opposition remains
Despite having the backing of the US president, political figures elsewhere are far from sharing the same enthusiasm for Infantino. Andy Burnham has reiterated his view that Infantino is "not the right man to lead football" and is calling on him to step aside from his position.
David Davies, who occupied various senior positions at the FA between 1994 and 2006, claimed that Infantino has been "seduced for too long" by Donald Trump and operates FIFA in a 'political style'. The English FA are allegedly drafting a letter to withdraw their backing for Infantino's re-election bid, mirroring the stance taken by the Welsh FA. However, despite these withdrawals of support, no alternative candidates have yet emerged to challenge for the position.
