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The wave of criticism directed at FIFA President Gianni Infantino reached a new peak this week following his controversial proposal to sell shares of the World Cup, with close ally U.S. President Donald Trump appearing eager to distance himself from the controversy.
Not typically known for keeping his words brief—particularly regarding Infantino—Trump offered an unusually terse response to the ongoing FIFA situation during Friday's press conference, before swiftly moving on to the next journalist's question.
"No," Trump stated at Camp David when questioned about whether he had advance knowledge of Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in soccer's premier tournament, "I never spoke to him."
The President's reaction raised eyebrows, especially considering that Infantino had previously claimed he and Trump are "in touch regularly, almost every day," and that prior to the collapse of the entire plan, FIFA had confirmed that Thrive Eternal would "lead the proposed investor group." Joshua Kushner—the younger brother of Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law—is the founder and managing partner of the venture capital firm. The Times also reported at the time that "figures close to the Donald Trump administration" had been consulted regarding the proposal.
Trump's blunt response also cast further doubt on the future of Infantino's tenure at FIFA. Trump has long been Infantino's most prominent supporter and trusted confidant, a bond that only grew stronger after the Swiss official presented Trump with his newly created FIFA Peace Prize last December at the World Cup Draw. If Trump is no longer backing Infantino, the question becomes: who will?
Has Donald Trump Turned His Back on Gianni Infantino?
Infantino has repeatedly come to Trump's defense, most recently ahead of the World Cup final when he invited the U.S. President to participate in the trophy ceremony, even as ongoing investigations into the nature of their relationship intensified—something the U.S. House Judiciary Committee has now placed under close scrutiny.
Even so, this is not the first time Trump has failed to reciprocate the gesture for his ally.
During a separate wave of criticism aimed at Infantino in May over "dynamic pricing" for World Cup tickets, the 80-year-old President condemned the exorbitant ticket prices, saying, "I wouldn't pay it either, to be honest with you." Trump's remarks came just days after Infantino had justified the pricing as simply a reflection of the U.S. sports market.
What ultimately becomes of Infantino's leadership at FIFA—and his relationship with Trump—remains uncertain. The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March, where Infantino had initially been expected to run without opposition but may now face serious challengers.