FIFA Refutes Claim Infantino Sought Trump Support Over World Cup Sale

FIFA has denied allegations that its president, Gianni Infantino, sought the support of former U.S. President Donald Trump after a failed attempt to sell the rights to the 2026 World Cup. The claim, first reported by a U.S. news outlet, suggested that Infantino approached Trump for political backing in an effort to secure a more favorable deal for the tournament. FIFA’s spokesperson released a statement saying the report is “unfounded” and that the organization has no record of any such outreach.

The controversy stems from a recent bid by FIFA to sell the rights to the 2026 World Cup to a consortium that ultimately did not materialize. According to the report, Infantino allegedly tried to leverage Trump’s influence to salvage the deal. FIFA clarified that negotiations with potential buyers were conducted through standard channels and that the president has not engaged with any political figure to influence the sale. The organization also noted that all communications regarding the sale were handled by its commercial and legal teams.

In a brief statement, FIFA reiterated its commitment to transparency and adherence to its governance policies. The federation said it will continue to pursue legitimate commercial opportunities for the World Cup while maintaining independence from political influence. No further action has been announced, and the allegations remain unverified.