Under-fire FIFA president Gianni Infantino is set to speak with President Donald Trump's administration in a desperate attempt to hold onto his position.
After trying to sell off stakes in the World Cup and other competitions, Infantino is facing calls from UEFA to step down or face being replaced at the next elections. The English and Welsh FAs are among those objecting to Infantino's position, and the bigwig has turned to a new but close ally to try and hold onto any support possible.
Pressure builds after World Cup plans
The World Cup came and went with plenty of controversy, but Infantino appeared to be in a position of strength until his plans became public. Prior to last week's upheaval, all but five of UEFA's 55 member associations - Germany, Romania, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden - had publicly backed his reelection bid next March.
Now, according to The Independent, Infantino is scheduled to speak with senior figures in the Trump administration as he attempts to bolster support for his stewardship of FIFA. The FIFA president has also been reaching out to national federations seeking public endorsements, as demands for his resignation continue to gather pace.
Infantino and Trump's close relationship
Infantino and Trump developed a close relationship as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approached, with the US President receiving the inaugural Peace Prize award months before entering into conflict with Iran, which resulted in the deaths of 18 military personnel.
Infantino conducted multiple visits to Trump in the lead-up to the World Cup to publicise the tournament, and also donned a MAGA-style hat. The duo attended their first World Cup match together at July's final between Argentina and Spain. Infantino could only watch as Trump intruded upon Spain's World Cup trophy celebrations following their 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina at MetLife Stadium.
Stake sale plan triggers backlash
The proposition to sell stakes through FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would have seen Infantino secure £22.5 million annually in salary, should the plans materialise and Infantino be appointed to lead, proved to be the final straw, with tensions already running high following the World Cup.
Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared, was reportedly the driving force behind the sale of the World Cup to investors. The Kushners' alleged participation and close connections to Trump rendered the President's remarks last week, distancing himself from the proposals, astonishing. "No, I never spoke to him," Trump stated when questioned about the proposition at Camp David late last month. Trump also left Infantino humiliated by replying "who?" when asked about their conversations.
World Cup controversies and Trump's verdict
Nevertheless, despite several controversies, highlighted by Folarin Balogun's contentious red card being suspended following Trump's personal telephone call to Infantino, or Iran being compelled to move their base camp to Tijuana amidst the continuing conflict, the President declared the tournament a resounding triumph.
"It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it's going to remain," Trump said. "This has really brought the world together."
