FIFA Denied Infantino-Trump Report After $4.2 Billion Deal Collapses

FIFA has rejected reports suggesting President Gianni Infantino contacted United States President Donald Trump or officials from his administration following the collapse of a proposed World Cup commercial rights investment plan. FIFA described the claims as “pure fiction” in a statement issued to Reuters.

The governing body responded after a report claimed Infantino had attempted to seek support from the US administration after the proposal was withdrawn. FIFA said no such communication had taken place in recent days.

“The FIFA President has not made any call to the U.S. President, or any members of his administration, in recent days. It is pure fiction,” FIFA said in its statement.

The controversy follows the decision to abandon a plan that would have seen FIFA sell around a 20% stake in a new commercial entity managing competitions, including the World Cup. The proposal was aimed at attracting private investment and generating up to $4.2 billion but faced opposition from several stakeholders.

Pressure Increases After Commercial Plan Collapse

The failed initiative has increased scrutiny around Infantino’s leadership as he prepares for a potential bid for another term as FIFA president. The setback has raised questions over the future of the commercial strategy and its impact on his position within football’s governing structure.

Infantino has maintained a close relationship with Trump in recent years, with both figures appearing together at major football events. Their public association included the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States and preparations surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The relationship also drew attention after Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025, naming him the first recipient of the award.

Further scrutiny emerged because Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, had been linked with the proposed commercial rights venture. Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.

FIFA has continued to deny any political involvement in the aftermath of the failed investment proposal, while Infantino faces pressure to address concerns surrounding the organisation’s commercial direction.