FIFA lifted the suspension after Donald Trump requested it of Infantino. Belgium’s coach Rudi Garcia said it was “the first time in the history of the World Cup that there is this kind of decision.” Infantino’s political maneuvering, his relationship with Trump, and his push to partially privatize the World Cup have damaged FIFA’s credibility and fractured support among member nations. For many federations, this was a breach of protocol and a symbolic misuse of FIFA’s global stature. The BacklashMember associations reacted with immediate concern:Privatizing part of the World Cup would fundamentally alter FIFA’s governance structure.