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The crisis currently facing FIFA has added a new chapter after various reports indicated that Gianni Infantino may be seeking the help of U.S. President Donald Trump to strengthen his position at the head of the world soccer governing body, following the most recent scandal he is facing, in which he sought to open the World Cup to private investors.
Infantino is facing one of his worst crises since taking the FIFA presidency in 2016. After the recent 2026 World Cup, the Swiss-Italian sports leader was accused of favoring the Argentina national team and Lionel Messi, and for making changes to matches, such as the inclusion of a "hydration break" during which play is stopped and commercials are aired on television.
But the biggest scandal emerged a few days ago when he unveiled his project called FIFA Forward Enterprise, with which he sought to privatize the World Cup. The Times reported that through this plan he intended to split commercial operations and leave between 20 and 30 percent to private investors.
Infantino's project, from which he was set to earn an estimated 30 million euros (excluding bonuses), was not well received by several federations, including UEFA and CONCACAF.
Faced with this scandal that has seriously damaged his image and reputation, the FIFA president allegedly desperately sought help from Trump, mainly to help him keep his leadership position, a source revealed to RadarOnline.
The informant said that Infantino has been trying to contact the U.S. president in the hope that he can help him stabilize his position as calls for his removal grow stronger.
"Infantino has been exploring every possible avenue to reach Trump, because he considers him one of the few people with enough influence to change the mood surrounding this controversy," he commented.
The source added: "What he seems to be looking for is both a political and a soccer lifeline, given that the backlash to his investment plan has become so intense. Basically, he is begging Trump to save his job."
¿Qué tan millonario es Infantino?
According to international media, Infantino's earnings as FIFA president are around 6 million dollars per year.
[Publicidad]