Trump dismisses any talks with Infantino over controversial FIFA investment plan

Donald Trump has categorically denied holding talks with FIFA president Gianni Infantino about a controversial proposal to offer private investors stakes in the World Cup.

Asked by a journalist at Camp David whether he had discussed with Infantino the possibility of selling part of the ownership of football’s biggest tournament, the United States president gave a brief response: “No”. He did not provide further details or explain his position.

The question followed FIFA’s announcement last Tuesday of plans to establish a new subsidiary company, valued at about $20bn (£15bn), which would oversee the management and organisation of the World Cup and other competitions run by the governing body.

Under the proposed structure, FIFA intends to sell up to 20% of the new company to outside investors. The plan would represent an unprecedented move by FIFA to attract substantial private investment into its football operations.

Trump and Infantino have developed a close relationship, particularly after the United States hosted the Club World Cup last summer and with the country hosting the World Cup this summer.

That connection has led to questions about the possible role of the United States in FIFA’s proposed investment project. Trump’s denial, however, was limited to whether he had spoken directly with Infantino about the plan.

A further link to the president emerged when FIFA disclosed that an investment company founded by Joshua Kushner is expected to lead a potential group of investors involved in the proposed deal.

Joshua Kushner is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is Trump’s son-in-law. The revelation has raised questions about how closely the American administration may be connected to the proposed transaction, despite Trump’s clear denial that he had discussed it with Infantino.

FIFA’s plan would create a company responsible for managing the World Cup as well as the organisation’s other tournaments. The governing body has not been reported as saying that the tournament itself would be sold, but rather that investors could acquire a minority stake of up to 20% in the newly established business.

The proposal has attracted attention because of its scale and because of the prominent figures associated with the possible investment group. Trump’s one-word response came amid continuing scrutiny of the relationship between the United States president and Infantino, following the two major FIFA competitions staged in the United States.

Despite those links, Trump denied having any conversation with the FIFA president about the project, leaving the governing body’s investment plans and the potential involvement of Joshua Kushner’s company as the central focus of the controversy.