Gianni Infantino could be set to receive assistance from United States president Donald Trump in an attempt to save his FIFA presidency, according to insiders. Infantino is facing considerable pressure to resign after his controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup collapsed.
The 56-year-old was subject to intense backlash across the footballing world, with UEFA nations threatening to boycott the summer tournament unless the proposal was shut down. Infantino could lean on his friendship with Trump to potentially save his job, marking what would be the American's second interference with FIFA in as many months.
Close ties and World Cup support
A senior administration official close to Trump and Infantino told the Telegraph: "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. 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." The pair played a key role in reversing Folarin Balogun's red card in the World Cup after Trump put pressure on Infantino to remove the United States striker's last-16 suspension against Belgium.
Trump confirmed he had requested a "review by FIFA" after Balogun's sending off. He said last month: "I didn't know what the hell a red card was, when I found out, I said 'you got to be kidding'. I asked for a review by FIFA. I spoke to a man who’s highly respected and by the way, whose level of respect has gone up tenfold. And he was good before this started. But, you know, he really pushed it in this country."
Pressure mounts on Infantino
The Telegraph adds that the Football Association is playing a key role in attempts to oust Infantino after withdrawing support for the FIFA president. UEFA are said to be lobbying Africa and Asia to help remove him, with the two continents boasting 100 voting federations, which is almost half of the world's total.
The Guardian reported that Wales, Serbia, Sweden and Finland also withdrew their support, while Morocco, Qatar, Sri Lanka and Lebanon have given Infantino their backing. The Confederation of African Football didn't confirm its opposition to the World Cup sell-off plan, instead stating they'd examine the project.
