Gianni Infantino Under Pressure as FIFA Crisis Deepens, Trump Reportedly Unresponsive

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing one of the biggest leadership challenges of his tenure following the collapse of a controversial proposal to commercialise FIFA's World Cup rights. The failed plan has intensified opposition from several football governing bodies and national federations, while reports claim Infantino has also been unable to secure support from US President Donald Trump, a longtime political ally.

The developments have fuelled speculation about Infantino's political standing ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election, although no formal challenge has yet been decided.

Key Highlights

• Gianni Infantino is under growing pressure after FIFA withdrew its World Cup commercial rights proposal.
• The plan reportedly sought to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling a stake in a new commercial entity.
• Reports claim Infantino unsuccessfully attempted to contact Donald Trump following the proposal's collapse.
• Several football federations have reportedly withdrawn support for his re-election bid.
• Attention has shifted to potential candidates for the 2027 FIFA presidential election.

Why Is Gianni Infantino Facing Criticism?

The controversy centres on FIFA's proposal to transfer approximately 20% of the commercial rights for the FIFA World Cup and other major competitions into a new commercial entity backed by private investors.

The proposal aimed to generate around $4.2 billion, but it faced strong resistance from several football confederations and member associations, many of which argued they had not been adequately consulted before such a significant restructuring was proposed.

Following widespread opposition, FIFA abandoned the proposal.

Reports Claim Trump Has Not Responded

According to reports, Infantino attempted to reach US President Donald Trump after the proposal was withdrawn in an effort to secure political support during the growing backlash.

However, those reports claim the FIFA president was unable to establish contact and has since felt increasingly isolated as criticism intensified. Neither FIFA nor the White House has publicly confirmed the reported phone calls.

Re-Election Campaign Faces New Questions

The failed proposal has added uncertainty to Infantino's expected bid for another term as FIFA president covering 2027–2031.

Several national football federations, including those from Serbia, Sweden, and Wales, have reportedly withdrawn their backing, citing governance and transparency concerns following the abandoned commercial plan. Reports also suggest England's Football Association could take a similar position.

Who Could Challenge Infantino?

With attention shifting toward the 2027 FIFA presidential election, several influential football administrators are being discussed as potential challengers.

Victor Montagliani

The CONCACAF president and Canadian football executive has emerged as one of the leading names reportedly considering a challenge for FIFA's top post.

Aleksander Čeferin

The UEFA president has become one of Infantino's strongest critics in recent months, particularly over governance issues and the failed commercial proposal.

Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president has previously opposed several FIFA proposals and remains an influential figure within world football.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi

The Qatar Sports Investments chairman and Paris Saint-Germain president has also been mentioned in reports as a possible candidate should opposition to Infantino continue to grow.

Lise Klaveness

The Norwegian Football Federation president has become one of the most outspoken voices on governance reforms and accountability within FIFA.

What Happens Next?

The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled to take place in Morocco in March 2027.

While Infantino remains FIFA president and has not announced any withdrawal from seeking another term, the collapse of the commercial rights proposal has significantly increased political pressure within international football.

Whether the recent controversy translates into a serious electoral challenge will depend on how support evolves among FIFA's member associations over the coming months.

Why This Matters

The FIFA president oversees the governance of world football, including the FIFA World Cup, financial management, and the organisation's long-term commercial strategy.

Growing divisions among football confederations over governance and commercial decisions could influence FIFA's future direction and shape leadership ahead of the next presidential election.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is Gianni Infantino under pressure?

He is facing criticism after FIFA abandoned a proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup following opposition from several football governing bodies.

2. Did Donald Trump stop supporting Gianni Infantino?

Reports claim Infantino was unable to reach Trump after the proposal collapsed, but there has been no official confirmation that Trump has withdrawn his support.

3. What was FIFA's commercial rights proposal?

The proposal sought to create a new commercial entity and sell approximately 20% of its rights to private investors, potentially raising around $4.2 billion.

4. Who could replace Gianni Infantino?

Names mentioned in reports include Victor Montagliani, Aleksander Čeferin, Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, and Lise Klaveness, although no official candidates have been confirmed.

5. When is the next FIFA presidential election?

The election is scheduled to be held in March 2027 in Morocco.