FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sought support from the Trump administration after a plan to sell part of World Cup commercial rights was abandoned, according to the New York Post, cited by the report published on August 4. The report said Infantino unsuccessfully tried repeatedly to contact US President Donald Trump by phone after the controversial proposal was withdrawn on Friday.

FIFA had planned to sell about 20 percent ownership in the World Cup and other football tournaments, seeking to raise up to $4.2 billion from private investors. The proposal involved placing commercial assets of world football’s governing body under a new company supported by private investors. It was dropped following strong opposition from relevant parties, while the report said negative media coverage had left Infantino feeling isolated.

The failed initiative has put added scrutiny on Infantino’s candidacy for a fourth term as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031. Thrive Capital, linked to Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, was expected to be involved. US Assistant Secretary of State Dylan Johnson said there were no plans for Secretary of State Marco Rubio to speak with Infantino and no meeting had been arranged.