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U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly ready to do "everything possible" to support his FIFA ally Gianni Infantino in holding onto his position at the top of world soccer's governing body, even as the FIFA president faces wavering loyalty from his own secretary general.
Infantino has found himself at the heart of a controversy largely of his own creation. The FIFA president's proposal to sell shares in the commercial rights of future men's and women's World Cups was swiftly rejected by the majority of the world. UEFA, European soccer's governing body, was so outraged by the "shabby backroom deal" that it threatened to boycott FIFA's flagship tournament.
FIFA scrapped the plan but, sensing a rare window of vulnerability, several confederations have united in an effort to pressure Infantino into stepping down. Amid this mounting opposition, one familiar supporter has stepped forward.
"Gianni helped us enormously in delivering the best World Cup ever. The president likes him a great deal. I am certain the president will do everything possible to support him," an unnamed senior administration official with ties to both men told The Telegraph.
"I don't believe the president will change his view on him, because he is a loyal person. Gianni truly delivered the World Cup for the United States. We value that greatly."
Trump claimed to have had no prior knowledge of Infantino's World Cup sale scheme, which had the brother of the President's son-in-law, Josh Kushner, identified as the lead investor. FIFA also denied reports of any communication between the two regarding the fallout from the plan, but it has been suggested that Infantino still enjoys Trump's full backing.
The same cannot be said for numerous national associations.
'Sad'—Infantino Dealt Blow From Within His Inner Circle
FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström, one of Infantino's closest associates, has reportedly circulated an internal memo to staff at world soccer's governing body describing the World Cup sale scheme as "a sad and reproachable series of events," according to Sky News.
Grafström described himself as "thankful" that the plans, which had caused him "dismay," had been shelved — without explicitly naming Infantino at any point.
"We have all been thrust into the middle of a turmoil that is difficult to comprehend and accept, but, as Secretary General, I urge you to remain focused on what has always united us: serving football and serving our 211 Member Associations, hand in hand with all relevant stakeholders and in full compliance with the FIFA Statutes and FIFA Regulations," the email read.
"I assure you that you as members of the administration will be defended and safeguarded from the political climate we are currently navigating. You do not need to worry.
"Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football endure, and that is why we must always maintain our professionalism, sense of perspective and composure."
Where Gianni Infantino's Level of Support Currently Stands
Grafström's distancing from the plans follows a broader trend of European nations gradually withdrawing their letters of support for Infantino. Wales, England, Serbia and Finland have all publicly declared a lack of confidence in the incumbent, who never had the backing of Sweden or Germany to begin with.
However, Switzerland, Infantino's home country, stopped short of abandoning one of its own. The Swiss association requested "another personal exchange of views with the FIFA president," pledging to "continue to review the developments surrounding FIFA."
Outside of Europe, Concacaf represents the most vocal opposition to FIFA, but a growing number of Asian nations have come out in support of Infantino, who is also believed to have the backing of Africa and South America. Qatar, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Lebanon and Kuwait are among those to publicly endorse the 56-year-old, who will be keenly watching the stance taken by Saudi Arabia. One of the most influential nations in the AFC is set to host the 2034 men's World Cup, a decision ratified under contentious circumstances during Infantino's tenure.