Donald Trump refuted claims of discussing with Gianni Infantino regarding a proposal to sell World Cup stakes to a company associated with his family. The US President dismissed the allegations during a recent Cabinet meeting at Camp David. Infantino’s confidential plan, disclosed on Tuesday, suggested creating a new $20 billion subsidiary with 20% ownership by private investors, led by a New York investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, who is the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Trump denied any conversation on the matter, despite his close bond with Infantino, with whom he has spent considerable time during the recent North American World Cup. Infantino has been actively engaging with Trump since early in his second term. Notably, a replica of the World Cup was presented to Trump upon his return to the Oval Office as a gift from Infantino. Subsequently, Trump was granted the opportunity to exhibit a replica of the World Club Cup trophy in the Oval Office.
Moreover, acknowledging Trump’s desire for a Nobel Peace Prize, Infantino introduced the “FIFA Peace Prize” earlier this year, honoring Trump with the award. The two leaders spent extensive time together during the recent World Cup Final in New Jersey. Reports emerged shortly after, suggesting Trump’s endorsement for Infantino as the next UN Secretary General, further solidifying their relationship. Infantino even established a new FIFA office in Trump Tower last year, strengthening the ties between FIFA and the US President.
In response to FIFA’s private equity plan, senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned from his position on Friday, expressing disapproval of selling a stake in the World Cup. Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker, emphasized his lack of involvement in the proposal and urged other senior FIFA members to voice their concerns, labeling the $20 billion subsidiary as detrimental to football.
Cordeiro, having dedicated over 35 years to banking, highlighted the significance of football in his life and cautioned against compromising its value. He called for the rejection of the proposal, emphasizing the adverse consequences of parting with a valuable asset like the World Cup.