Infantino Reportedly Seeks Trump's Support After FIFA Commercial Rights Plan Collapse

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly sought support from the administration of United States President Donald Trump after facing mounting criticism over the collapse of a controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

According to a report by the New York Post on Monday, Infantino made unsuccessful attempts to reach Trump by phone after the proposal was abandoned on Friday, as pressure increased over the failed initiative.

Sources familiar with the matter told the newspaper that the FIFA president felt increasingly isolated following opposition from key stakeholders and growing scrutiny of his leadership.

FIFA did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The proposed deal would have transferred about 20 per cent of the commercial rights to FIFA competitions into a newly created company backed by private investors. The plan was expected to generate up to $4.2 billion but was shelved after strong resistance from football authorities.

The collapse of the proposal has intensified questions over Infantino’s leadership and could affect his expected bid for another term as FIFA president for the 2027–2031 cycle.

Infantino has maintained a close relationship with Trump in recent years, with both figures appearing together at football-related events, including activities around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The relationship drew further attention in December 2025 when Infantino awarded Trump FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize.

The failed investment plan was also linked to reports that Thrive Capital, a firm founded by Joshua Kushner, the son-in-law of Trump, was expected to be involved in the proposed arrangement.

The New York Post reported that Infantino had also sought discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson rejected the report, saying there were “no plans” for Rubio to speak with Infantino and that no phone call was scheduled.

The abandoned commercial rights proposal represents one of the biggest challenges of Infantino’s presidency and has renewed debate over FIFA’s governance structure and future commercial direction.