FIFA president seeks talks with US secretary amid resignation pressure

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is scheduled to speak with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday morning, according to sources familiar with the arrangement. The call is intended to discuss the role of soccer as a tool of soft power for the United States, but insiders said Infantino also hopes the conversation will help preserve his position at the federation.

Infantino has faced mounting criticism after a plan to create a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, and sell a 20% stake in World Cup broadcasting, sponsorship, licensing and ticketing rights to Thrive Capital was abandoned. The proposal, which would have valued the stake at just over $4 billion, was rejected following widespread opposition from national soccer federations.

Several FIFA officials have expressed disappointment with the failed deal. Kevin Lamour, the organization’s chief operating officer, told the Associated Press he felt misled by the initiative, which he said was not disclosed to senior staff.

The controversy has led to calls for Infantino’s removal, including a movement among some executives referred to as “Project Kill The Monster.” UEFA voted unanimously on July 30 to boycott FIFA-organized competitions, a decision that could affect participation in the 2030 World Cup scheduled for Spain, Portugal and Morocco.