FIFA blasts Trump claims in 25-word statement as Infantino called out | Football | Sport

FIFA have described reports claiming that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called US President Donald Trump for support over his position in recent days as ‘pure fiction’. World football’s governing body posted a short statement in response to a report by The Times suggesting the Italian was seeking support following the outrage over his plans to sell a minority stake in FIFA tournaments.

Infantino was forced to cancel his FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal after facing backlash over the plan to sell a stake and the lack of scrutiny it had received, with UEFA threatening to boycott FIFA tournaments. The FIFA chief’s position has since been called into question ahead of his bid to be re-elected.

As a result, it had been claimed that Infantino was hoping to rely on his relationship with the Trump administration for support and to quell any momentum behind a bid to push him out of office. Contact between the parties has been rubbished by FIFA and the White House.

“The FIFA President has not made any call to the U.S President, or any members of his administration, in recent days. It is pure fiction,” FIFA said in a statement.

England and Wales have called for a leadership change at FIFA, and both countries have withdrawn their support for Infantino’s re-election bid as President. Serbia joined their ranks by taking a similar position.

In a statement released on Monday, they said: “We recall that FA of Serbia formally expressed its support for Mr Infantino in writing on 25 May this year, but after a thorough consideration of the developments that have seriously undermined the reputation and credibility of both FIFA and its President in the past period, this is the only logical and rational move.

“Football Association of Serbia is of the opinion that the future of world football must be founded on transparency, dialogue, mutual respect, and partner relations among all confederations and national associations.

“We believe that no decision of strategic importance for the future of football should be made without broad consensus and open consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

“Football Association of Serbia remains committed to cooperation with FIFA, UEFA, and all national associations for the purpose of development and improvement of football, but is also of the opinion that at this moment a new trust is needed, as well as a new approach, and management that will contribute to restoring dialogue, unity, and the credibility of international football institutions.”

Some nations have chosen to support Infantino; however, they praised his decision to row back on FFE plans. Morocco, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bhutan, and Sri Lanka have all issued statements.

Infantino took to his Instagram story to share those messages of support and captioned each statement with a flag of the country and a handshake emoji.

Qatar even praised the FIFA President’s ‘wisdom’. “We welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s decision to withdraw the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal in the interest of the global football community,” the statement read.

“While the proposal had merit, we applaud the wisdom behind prioritising unity among Member Associations. The Qatar Football Association fully supports President Infantino’s efforts to continue growing and strengthening the game globally.”

Morocco echoed Qatar’s sentiments. “Mr Fouzi Lekjaa emphasised that the FIFA President’s decision was a wise one, as it prioritises unity and cohesion among FIFA’s member associations through a participatory approach to advancing the development of football,” their statement said.

“On this occasion, the FRMF President reiterated his support for FIFA President Mr. Gianni Infantino and for all initiatives aimed at promoting the development of football worldwide. The unity of world football remains the guiding principle that inspires this great football family in all its decision-making.”