Infantino Reportedly Seeks Trump Administration Support Amid FIFA Leadership Pressure.

Infantino Reportedly Seeks Trump Administration Support Amid FIFA Leadership Pressure.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reportedly sought support from the Trump administration as pressure mounts over his abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, with private talks scheduled with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to the New York Post.

The New York Post, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that Infantino arranged a private conversation with Rubio after facing mounting criticism over his failed plan to sell a minority stake in FIFA’s commercial rights. The report also claimed the FIFA president had unsuccessfully attempted to contact U.S. President Donald Trump in recent days.

According to the report, the scheduled discussions are expected to focus publicly on football’s role as a form of U.S. soft power. However, sources quoted by the newspaper alleged that Infantino is also seeking influential backing as opposition to his leadership grows following the collapse of the FFE proposal.

FIFA has not publicly commented on the report, while the White House also did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The controversy surrounding the FFE proposal has intensified scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership ahead of the next FIFA presidential election.