FIFA Presidency: Infantino seeks Trump backing, As English FA set to withdraw support

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is seeking support from the Trump administration as he faces increasing pressure over his leadership and a controversial proposal to restructure FIFA’s commercial operations, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Infantino is expected to hold a private discussion with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with the conversation publicly framed around soccer’s role as a tool of American soft power. However, huhuoonline.com gathered that the wider objective is to strengthen political backing as Infantino works to maintain his position as head of world football.

“He wanted to discuss how soccer can serve as a form of soft power for America,” one source said. “But the reality is that this is about protecting his position.”

The FIFA president has reportedly become increasingly isolated following criticism of a plan to establish a new commercial entity that would oversee major revenue streams, including broadcasting, sponsorship, licensing, and ticketing rights.

The proposed venture, reportedly known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), was expected to attract private investment, including a potential deal with Thrive Eternal, the investment firm founded by Josh Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.The proposal reportedly involved the sale of a 20% stake valued at more than $4 billion.

The plan triggered widespread opposition among football officials, many of whom claimed they were not properly consulted before details became public. Some FIFA executives expressed frustration over the decision-making process, with one senior official reportedly saying he felt “deceived” by the handling of the proposal.

The backlash has intensified calls for leadership changes within FIFA, with some officials reportedly exploring efforts to challenge Infantino’s position.

Infantino, who has built a close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 World Cup, has reportedly attempted several times to reconnect with Trump following the collapse of the commercial proposal. According to sources, those efforts have so far not received a response.

The controversy has also widened divisions between FIFA and European football authorities. UEFA, European football’s governing body, has reportedly discussed possible measures, including legal action and potential boycotts of FIFA competitions, creating uncertainty over future tournaments.

Any significant withdrawal of European support could have major consequences for global football, potentially affecting participation by some of the world’s biggest national teams and players.

The English Football Association (FA) is now preparing to withdraw its support for Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, following the collapse of the proposed commercial restructuring plan.

The move follows similar opposition from other football bodies, including the Football Association of Wales, which has already indicated it will not back Infantino for another term. UEFA and Concacaf have also raised concerns about the lack of consultation surrounding the proposal.

UEFA has warned FIFA that it is considering legal action, arbitration, and regulatory complaints over the planned restructuring. In a letter to Infantino, UEFA reportedly demanded that FIFA preserve all documents and electronic records connected to the project, emphasizing that such material must be protected regardless of standard document retention policies.

FIFA has not yet issued a public response to the latest developments.