FIFA has denied a report that stated its president, Gianni Infantino, was seeking assistance from the Trump administration as he faces mounting pressure over a collapsed business deal and calls for his leadership.
A FIFA source told OutKick that no call was scheduled between Infantino and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, or any other member of President Donald Trump's Cabinet, contradicting claims that such a meeting was arranged.
The New York Post had reported that Infantino was scheduled to speak privately with Rubio to discuss soccer's role as American "soft power," but the source characterized the alleged conversation as an effort to secure support for Infantino's position.
Infantino's current challenges stem from a proposed venture, FIFA Forward Enterprise, which aimed to sell a 20% stake in FIFA's broadcasting, sponsorship, licensing, and ticketing business to the private equity firm Thrive Capital for over $4 billion. The proposal reportedly blindsided many FIFA officials and national soccer federations, leading to backlash.
UEFA, along with the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf, opposed the plan. UEFA's 55 European member associations had agreed to boycott FIFA competitions while the proposal was active and threatened legal action. Infantino eventually abandoned the proposal on Friday.
Despite abandoning the deal, opposition to Infantino's leadership continues. Wales has officially withdrawn its support for Infantino's re-election, citing governance, leadership, communication, and judgment failures. England has reportedly also withdrawn its backing, and UEFA stated that Infantino has lost the confidence of world soccer.
Infantino had appeared to be on the verge of securing another term, having reportedly obtained pledges from approximately 200 of FIFA's 211 member federations. He retains significant support in Africa and parts of Asia.
FIFA did not provide an on-the-record statement addressing separate claims that Infantino had attempted to contact former President Trump. Infantino and Trump have developed a relationship, particularly during the recent FIFA World Cup hosted in the United States.