FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, is reportedly seeking support from the Trump administration as pressure mounts over his failed attempt to sell a stake in the World Cup’s commercial business to a private equity firm linked to Josh Kushner.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Infantino arranged private talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday morning, with the conversation expected shortly after 9 a.m. ET.
“He wanted to get online with the secretary and talk about how soccer can be a form of soft power for America,” said one insider briefed on the matter. “But we all know that it is about job protection. It is not about anything else at this point.”
The development comes as Infantino faces increasing criticism following the collapse of his controversial commercial restructuring plan.
Sources told the New York Post that the FIFA president has also been unable to reach US President Donald Trump, despite previously enjoying a close relationship with him ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A second source said the Swiss-Italian football administrator now feels increasingly isolated amid the backlash.
“He is looking for allies of note to publicly support him,” this person said.
However, the US State Department denied that any conversation between Rubio and Infantino had been scheduled.
“There are no plans for @SecRubio to speak with Infantino and there is no call this morning,” a spokesman wrote on X.
FIFA had not commented on the claims at the time of reporting.
Sources further alleged that Infantino, 56, has made several unsuccessful attempts to contact Trump, 80, after his proposal to separate FIFA’s commercial assets into a new business entity collapsed on Friday.
The proposed restructuring, which would have transferred broadcasting, sponsorship, licensing and ticketing rights into a newly created subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, drew fierce opposition from football federations around the world.
The failed proposal has reportedly intensified dissatisfaction within FIFA, with one executive telling the New York Post that a movement to remove Infantino from office has emerged under the nickname “Project Kill The Monster.”
Adding to the controversy, FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour told the Associated Press on Friday that he felt “deceived” by Infantino’s handling of the matter, saying he had no knowledge of the confidential negotiations.
Under the abandoned proposal, Thrive Capital, the private equity firm led by Josh Kushner, younger brother of Jared Kushner, was expected to acquire a 20 percent stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise for slightly more than $4 billion.
The plan, first reported by The Times of London, angered football administrators globally, many of whom said they became aware of the discussions only after media reports surfaced.
The backlash escalated after UEFA, European football’s governing body, unanimously voted on July 30 to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the 2030 men’s World Cup, which is scheduled to be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.
The unprecedented decision could result in two host nations refusing to participate in their own tournament, while also depriving the competition of some of football’s biggest stars, including Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.
