This was surprising to see.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly seeking help from President Donald Trump and senior members of the Trump administration as growing backlash over a failed business proposal raises fresh questions about his future leading the world’s biggest soccer organization.
The controversy comes at a critical time for FIFA, which is preparing for upcoming World Cup tournaments while facing increasing scrutiny over its leadership and decision-making. Reports suggest Infantino has been working behind the scenes to secure influential allies as pressure continues to build.
According to multiple sources, Infantino attempted to arrange a private conversation with Secretary of State Marco Rubio after a controversial plan involving FIFA’s commercial assets collapsed following widespread opposition.
One person familiar with the discussions said Infantino wanted to frame soccer as an important tool of American influence around the world. However, the source claimed many insiders believe his primary objective was protecting his leadership position.
“He wanted to explain how soccer could strengthen America’s global influence,” the source said. “But many believe this is really about saving his job.”
Another individual familiar with the situation said the FIFA president has become increasingly isolated after days of damaging headlines surrounding the failed proposal.
“He is looking for respected public figures willing to stand behind him,” the source said.
State Department Denies Planned Call
Reports indicated Infantino hoped to speak with Rubio on Monday. However, the State Department publicly denied that any conversation had been scheduled.
“There are no plans for Secretary Rubio to speak with Infantino,” a department spokesman said.
Sources inside FIFA, meanwhile, claimed a discussion had originally been planned before being canceled following increased public attention generated by media reports. State Department officials disputed that account.
FIFA did not respond to requests for comment.
Reports Say Trump Was Also Contacted
People familiar with the matter also claim Infantino has repeatedly tried to reach President Trump since the proposed investment deal fell apart, although no successful conversation has been confirmed.
The controversy centers on a plan that would have separated FIFA’s valuable commercial business—including broadcasting rights, sponsorship agreements, licensing, and ticket sales—into a newly created company backed by outside investors.
The proposal reportedly collapsed after national soccer federations around the world strongly objected to the idea.
FIFA Leadership Faces Internal Backlash
The failed proposal has reportedly triggered growing unrest within FIFA.
According to multiple reports, several officials have privately discussed replacing Infantino, with one executive describing an internal effort aimed at removing him from the organization’s top position.
Questions surrounding the proposal grew after FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour said he felt “deceived,” explaining that he had not been made aware of the private negotiations until reports about them surfaced publicly.
The proposed restructuring would have created a separate company to oversee FIFA’s commercial operations.
Under the reported plan, Thrive Capital—an investment firm led by Josh Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner—would have acquired roughly a 20% ownership stake in the venture for more than $4 billion.
Many soccer officials reportedly said they first learned about the proposal through news reports instead of directly from FIFA leadership, fueling criticism over transparency and internal communication.
European Soccer Organizations Push Back
Opposition has been especially strong across Europe.
According to reports, UEFA members voted unanimously to boycott future FIFA competitions, including the 2030 Men’s World Cup, if the dispute is not resolved.
Such an unprecedented move could dramatically reshape international soccer by preventing several of Europe’s powerhouse national teams from competing and keeping many of the sport’s biggest stars off the world’s largest stage.
What’s Next For FIFA?
The controversy has placed renewed attention on FIFA leadership just as preparations continue for future World Cup tournaments.
Whether Infantino can rebuild trust with national soccer federations and key stakeholders remains an open question. With criticism coming from both inside FIFA and from soccer organizations around the world, the coming weeks could prove pivotal for the future direction of the sport’s governing body.