FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly clinging to his position amidst a growing backlash over his controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup’s commercial assets. The proposed deal has triggered significant withdrawals of support from European football associations and a serious threat of boycott from UEFA, the continent’s governing body.

The pressure on Infantino, who has led world football’s governing body since 2016, intensified following the collapse of his “botched plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.” The scheme, first reported by The Times of London, involved creating a new subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise. This venture would have seen private equity firm Thrive Capital, run by Josh Kushner, acquire a 20% stake for just over $4 billion, granting rights over broadcasting, sponsorship, licensing, and ticketing.

European football’s strong opposition

The fallout from the aborted plan has been swift and severe in Europe. Both Wales and Finland have officially withdrawn their endorsement letters for Infantino, and the English Football Association is expected to follow suit. More dramatically, UEFA voted unanimously on July 30 to boycott all FIFA-organized competitions, including the next men’s World Cup, which is set to be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco in 2030. UEFA is also threatening legal action against FIFA over the sell-off plan.

Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s chief operating officer, expressed his dismay to the Associated Press, stating he felt “deceived” by Infantino’s actions and was unaware of the secret talks surrounding the deal.

Read also: Is this the end for Gianni Infantino? FIFA support collapses before key vote

Infantino’s alleged outreach to Trump

Amidst the mounting pressure, Infantino is reportedly ‘begging’ the Trump administration for assistance to save his job, according to The New York Post. The 56-year-old has allegedly made repeated, unsuccessful attempts to reach former US President Donald Trump by phone since the commercial assets plan collapsed. Infantino reportedly sought private talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though a State Department spokesman denied any such call was planned, stating, “There are no plans for @SecRubio to speak with Infantino and there is no call this morning.”

An insider briefed on the matter told The New York Post, “He wanted to get online with the secretary and talk about how soccer can be a form of soft power for America. But we all know that it is about job protection. It is not about anything else at this point.”

Infantino has a notable history with Trump, having awarded the former US President FIFA’s newly-created Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw in December. Trump also earmarked Infantino for the job of UN secretary-general. Their interactions include handing the FIFA World Cup trophy to Spain’s players after their victory over Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, an event that controversially saw FIFA suspend USMNT striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban at the 2026 World Cup following Trump’s intervention.

Divided loyalties and re-election prospects

Despite the European backlash, Infantino retains significant support from certain Asian confederations. Qatar and the UAE have pledged their backing for his re-election bid, alongside Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, and Kuwait. Adam Crafton of The Athletic noted that these endorsements “will worry UEFA,” adding that Saudi Arabia’s verdict “will be key.” Saudi Arabia was named hosts of the 2034 World Cup finals in December 2024.

Read also: FIFA launches probe into Argentina's 2026 World Cup conduct, 2030 bans possible

In July, more than 200 of FIFA’s 211 member associations had initially backed Infantino for a fourth term, though Germany was among the high-profile FAs that did not provide official support at that time. Every member association has until November 18 to withdraw or transfer their support to a different contender, leaving Infantino’s future at the helm of world football in a highly precarious position as a movement nicknamed “Project Kill The Monster” aims to push him out.

Read also: Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez's August 1st wedding debunked