FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly seeking the backing of US President Donald Trump as he faces growing calls to step down amid controversy over a failed plan to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup.
The pressure intensified after The Times revealed Infantino's proposal to sell a $4.2 billion (£3.1 billion) stake in FIFA's flagship tournament to a private equity group led by Joshua Kushner.
The proposal was later abandoned following strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
According to The New York Post, Infantino is now looking to one of his most influential allies, Donald Trump, as criticism over the failed plan continues to grow.
The report claimed that Infantino was scheduled to hold a call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with one source alleging the discussion was framed around football's role as a form of American soft power.
However, the insider suggested the real motive was different.
"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," the source said.
Another source described Infantino as feeling "isolated" by the backlash over the abandoned proposal and said he was searching for influential figures willing to publicly support him.
The reported effort comes just days after President Trump distanced himself from the controversial plan.
When asked whether Infantino had discussed the proposed World Cup stake sale with him, Trump initially replied, "Who?" After the question was repeated, he responded, "No, I didn't speak to him."
The failed proposal has intensified scrutiny of Infantino's leadership, with reports suggesting he is facing increasing pressure over his future as FIFA president.

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