Washington DC: FIFA President Gianni Infantino is actively seeking backing from the US Trump administration as he faces mounting pressure to resign from his position, according to a recent report by the New York Post.

The embattled football chief is reportedly scheduled to hold private discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to sources familiar with the matter cited by the New York Post, Infantino hopes the administration can help him remain in office amidst severe backlash over a highly controversial commercial proposal.

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The current crisis stems from Infantino’s recent, now-abandoned plan to sell a stake in FIFA's World Cup commercial rights to a private equity firm linked to Josh Kushner. The proposal drew immense criticism across the football world, raising serious concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the growing influence of private investors over the sport's most valuable assets.

Infantino’s relationship with US President Donald Trump and his administration has been notable in recent years, particularly in the build-up to the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, Trump recently stated that he had not discussed the failed World Cup commercial investment proposal with the FIFA leader.

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As Infantino prepares to potentially seek a fourth term as FIFA president—a campaign that would cover the 2027–2031 cycle—his political standing has been significantly destabilised. Once viewed as a formality, his re-election bid is now uncertain, with figures such as North American football chief Victor Montagliani reportedly considering a challenge for the presidency.

With European governing body UEFA already expressing a lack of confidence and previously pledging to boycott future FIFA tournaments over the commercial plan, Infantino’s latest manoeuvre underscores the precarious nature of his leadership as he looks to external political allies to secure his future at the pinnacle of world football.

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According to Fox News, a FIFA source stated that there was no scheduled contact between Infantino and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, or any other member of Trump's government, either on Monday or on any other date.