(Reuters) : FIFA President Gianni Infantino sought support from the Trump administration amid mounting criticism after his abandoned plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights, the New York Post said on Monday, citing sources familiar with the matter. Criticism has intensified over Infantino’s failed plan to spin off the world soccer governing body’s commercial assets into a new entity backed by private investors. Trump and Infantino have forged a close relationship, with the two appearing together at major soccer events including this year’s World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The bond was highlighted in December 2025 when Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, making him the first recipient of the award. The relationship has drawn further attention over FIFA’s World Cup sell-off plan, a deal that was set to be anchored by Thrive Capital, founded by Trump’s son-in-law Joshua Kushner.