President Trump reportedly phoned FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to seek the overturning of a one-game suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun at the 2026 World Cup. Revelations that Infantino explored selling stakes in future World Cups to private investors, including Josh Kushner, sparked global outrage and forced him to abandon the plan. Federations are pushing for Infantino's removal, and he is now seeking support from the Trump administration while Rep. Jamie Raskin prepares a congressional inquiry into communications between FIFA and Trump associates.
Trump Steps In for Gianni Infantino as FIFA Faces Backlash Over Private Sale Plans
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump holds the FIFA World Cup Trophy, as he makes an announcement on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as FIFA president Gianni Infantino stands next to him, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 22, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo
United States President Donald Trump has reportedly intervened on behalf of FIFA President Gianni Infantino after making a call seeking the reversal of a one-game suspension for USMNT striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup.
Last week The Times reporter Martyn Ziegler published details suggesting Infantino had explored selling a private stake in future World Cups to outside investors, including Josh Kushner — the brother of Jared Kushner, a senior Trump associate. The proposal provoked international outrage and prompted Infantino to abandon the plan, but not before reputational damage and renewed calls for his resignation.
Soccer federations around the world have since stepped up pressure for Infantino to go, and reports say he has been reaching out to federations for public support. Ben Jacobs reported that "Gianni Infantino is set to hold a meeting with senior figures in the Trump administration as he seeks support to continue at FIFA."
“Gianni helped us a lot to deliver the best World Cup ever. The president likes him a lot. I am sure the president will do everything possible to help him,” a senior Trump administration official told The Telegraph, adding that Infantino is "a loyal person."
At the same time, Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, is preparing an inquiry into communications between FIFA, the Trump administration and the Trump Organization. That potential investigation could draw additional scrutiny to the interactions between FIFA and US political figures.
The episode raises broader questions about governance, transparency and potential conflicts of interest in global sporting institutions — and whether political intervention can or should influence disciplinary decisions in international football.
Help us improve.
