FIFA's Infantino begs Trump admin to save his job
New York Post • • sports
Key Points:
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino is seeking support from the Trump administration to remain in office amid backlash over his failed plan to sell World Cup commercial rights to a private equity firm linked to Josh Kushner.
- Infantino has scheduled a private call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss soccer as a form of soft power, though insiders say the real motive is to secure political allies amid growing isolation.
- The controversial scheme involved creating a subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, with Kushner's Thrive Capital acquiring a 20% stake for over $4 billion, but it collapsed after global soccer federations learned about it through media reports.
- The fallout triggered widespread outrage, including UEFA's unanimous vote to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the 2030 World Cup hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, threatening the event's star player participation.
- FIFA executives have expressed feelings of betrayal over the secretive deal, fueling a movement dubbed “Project Kill The Monster” aimed at removing Infantino from his leadership position.
