Fifa president Gianni Infantino has sought support from the Trump administration after his proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights to the World Cup was abandoned, according to a report by the New York Post.
The report, published on Monday and based on sources familiar with the matter, said Infantino had repeatedly tried to contact US president Donald Trump by telephone since the plan collapsed on Friday.
It said the Fifa president felt “isolated” as negative media coverage intensified around the failed initiative. Fifa has not immediately commented on the report.
The proposal would have involved separating Fifa’s commercial assets from the governing body and placing them in a new entity backed by private investors. The plan was intended to generate as much as $4.2bn by selling an estimated 20% stake in the organisation, which would have overseen competitions including the World Cup.
However, the proposal was withdrawn on Friday after strong opposition from stakeholders.
The collapse of the plan has shifted attention towards the possible consequences for Infantino, whose attempt to secure another term as Fifa president for the 2027-2031 period is now facing greater scrutiny.
Infantino and Trump have developed a close relationship in recent years, appearing together at major football events. Trump is expected to have a prominent role during this year’s World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Their relationship received particular attention in December 2025, when Infantino gave Trump the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize. Trump became the first person to receive the award.
The connection between the two men has also been examined in relation to the proposed commercial-rights deal. The investment was expected to be led by Thrive Capital, the company founded by Joshua Kushner, who is the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The New York Post further reported that Infantino had arranged private discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Two sources familiar with the matter told the newspaper that the Fifa chief was due to speak with the US secretary of state shortly after 09:00 Eastern Time, or 15:00 South Africa time.
That call was subsequently denied by Dylan Johnson, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs.
In a post on X, Johnson said there were “no plans” for Rubio to speak with 56-year-old Swiss-Italian Infantino and added: “there is no call this morning”.
The proposed restructuring had been presented as a way for Fifa to unlock significant private investment in its commercial operations. Its withdrawal followed fierce resistance from stakeholders and has left the organisation facing renewed questions over its financial strategy, leadership and the political relationships surrounding the World Cup.
Infantino’s future beyond his current term is also likely to remain under close examination as the governing body deals with the fallout from the abandoned plan.
