FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly sought the backing of former United States President Donald Trump following the abrupt collapse of a significant commercial deal involving the world soccer governing body. Sources indicate that Infantino had made multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact President Trump by phone since the proposal fell apart on Friday. The FIFA chief is said to feel increasingly isolated amidst a wave of critical media coverage surrounding the failed initiative.
Background of the Failed Commercial Deal
The controversy stems from a proposed plan to spin off FIFA’s commercial assets into a new entity. This new organization was intended to be backed by private investors, with the aim of unlocking substantial capital. FIFA had envisioned selling approximately a 20% stake in this new entity, which would oversee major competitions including the prestigious World Cup. The projected value of this deal was estimated to be up to US$4.2 billion.
However, the plan encountered fierce resistance from key stakeholders within the soccer community. This opposition ultimately led to FIFA’s retreat and the abandonment of the initiative on Friday. The exact reasons for the stakeholder resistance have not been fully detailed, but the failure marks a significant setback for the organization’s strategic financial plans.
Infantino’s Diplomatic Efforts
In the wake of the deal’s collapse, reports suggest that President Infantino engaged in diplomatic efforts to shore up support. Specifically, he reportedly scheduled private discussions with Marco Rubio, who holds a prominent position in the United States government. Two individuals with knowledge of the situation confirmed that Infantino was slated to hold a call with the top American diplomat shortly after 9 a.m. Eastern Time. The objective of these calls appears to be seeking political leverage or
