HASAN CÜCÜK
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has long been regarded as one of the most powerful figures in world football. Recent developments, however, suggest that this image of invulnerability has been seriously shaken. In particular, U.S. President Donald Trump’s conspicuously distant attitude during a White House press conference has laid bare the political isolation Infantino now appears to be facing.
When Trump was asked whether he had discussed FIFA’s controversial commercial initiative, FIFA Forward Enterprise, with Infantino, he first responded, “Who?” before adding, “No, I’ve never spoken to him.” The answer was interpreted not merely as diplomatic evasion, but as a deliberate attempt to distance himself from the FIFA president.
Yet only two weeks earlier, Trump had described Infantino as the “king of football,” delivering lengthy praise of his leadership skills and vision. Given the close cooperation between the two men over roughly eight years, particularly in connection with the 2026 World Cup in the United States, the sudden shift is striking.
Leaked Plans Upend the Balance
At the heart of the crisis are allegations that Infantino planned to open up parts of FIFA’s tournament business to private investors. According to information leaked to Britain’s The Times, FIFA was considering transferring a share of the commercial rights associated with its tournaments to outside investors. As the backlash intensified, Infantino was forced to retreat.
Rather than calming the controversy, however, the reversal only deepened the crisis. Critics viewed it as the defensive reflex of a leader beginning to lose his grip on power. After a decade in which Infantino had enjoyed an almost untouchable position within FIFA, he is now facing political and institutional opposition on a scale he has never encountered before.
Accusations of a “One-Man Project”
One of the most striking aspects of the controversy is that the backlash has come not only from outside FIFA, but also from within football’s own governing structures. Three continental confederations, led by UEFA, opposed the plan. UEFA’s willingness to raise the possibility of boycotting all FIFA competitions underscored the seriousness of the confrontation.
More importantly, some figures within Infantino’s own inner circle have also withdrawn their support. His adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, while FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour openly said that staff had been “misled” over what he described as Infantino’s “one-man project.”
These statements suggest that the dispute has evolved beyond a disagreement over a commercial venture into a broader crisis of confidence over the way FIFA is governed.
Why the Trump Connection Matters
Documents reportedly show that JPMorgan played a role in structuring the proposed investment vehicle, while Thrive Eternal, a fund owned by Joshua Kushner, was being considered as the principal investor. Joshua Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law and close adviser.
This connection has made the political dimension of the proposed deal even more controversial. The absence of a formal bidding process and the lack of transparency surrounding the details have become central points of criticism. Trump’s decision to distance himself from the project can therefore be interpreted not simply as a personal gesture, but also as an effort to avoid the potential political fallout.
Europe Prepares for a Showdown
Infantino’s strongest opposition has long come from Europe. UEFA believes FIFA’s expanding tournament calendar and new commercial ventures are creating a direct struggle for power within the football economy. The latest crisis appears to have strengthened UEFA’s hand considerably.
UEFA and CONCACAF are demanding an investigation into how the proposal was developed and are calling for new safeguards to prevent similar initiatives from being pursued in the future. This suggests that FIFA could face an even more intense institutional confrontation in the months ahead.
The Biggest Test Ahead of the 2027 Election
With eight months remaining before FIFA’s presidential election in March 2027, Infantino’s authority is being questioned more seriously than ever before. The global network of legitimacy he has built over the years through political relationships now appears to have been significantly weakened by Trump’s latest stance.
The real question today is no longer simply whether Infantino can manage this crisis. It is whether the cracks in the protective armor that has shielded him for years have become irreversible.
If even one of his closest political allies is now publicly distancing himself, Infantino’s road to re-election may be entering its most difficult stretch yet.
