FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly seeking the support of United States President Donald Trump as he faces increasing pressure over his future as head of world football’s governing body.
The pressure follows the collapse of a controversial proposal to sell a $4.2 billion (£3.1 billion) stake in FIFA’s flagship competitions to a private investment group reportedly led by Joshua Kushner.
The proposal was abandoned after strong opposition from UEFA, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
According to The New York Post, Infantino is now looking to his long-time ally, President Trump, for support.
The newspaper reported that Infantino was scheduled to hold a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as speculation over his future intensifies.
A source quoted by the publication claimed the discussion was officially intended to focus on football as a form of American soft power.
“He wanted to get online with the secretary and talk about how soccer can be a form of soft power for America. But we all know that it is about job protection. It is not about anything else at this point,” the source said.
Another source described Infantino as feeling “isolated” by the widespread criticism that followed the failed proposal.
“He is looking for allies of note to publicly support him,” the source added.
The reported move comes days after President Trump denied having any knowledge of Infantino’s proposed commercialisation plan.
When asked whether Infantino had discussed the proposal with him, Trump initially replied, “Who?”
After the question was repeated, he responded:
“No, I didn’t speak to him.”
The failed proposal has significantly increased scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership, with several football authorities questioning FIFA’s governance and calling for greater transparency.