FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly sought the support of then-U.S. President Donald Trump to bolster his position during a period of internal conflict within the organization. According to reports, the outreach was tied to a controversial proposal to privatize the World Cup, a plan that faced significant resistance from other FIFA stakeholders.

While the details of the interaction remain limited, the report suggests that Infantino viewed Trump’s political influence as a potential lever to overcome the internal revolt against his leadership and his vision for the tournament's financial structure. The privatization plan, which aimed to reshape how the World Cup is managed and funded, was met with skepticism by various football associations and governing bodies who feared a loss of control over the sport's premier event.

There is currently no confirmation from the Trump administration or FIFA regarding the specific nature of these discussions or whether Trump provided any formal support. The situation highlights the intersection of global sports governance and high-level political maneuvering, as FIFA leadership sought external validation to maintain authority during a period of organizational instability.