Running to daddy, are we? Gianni Infantino has found himself as the pantomime villain of football in recent months, following a string of unpopular decisions taken by the FIFA chief which have directly appeased Donald Trump. However, it now seems he wants something in return.
ALSO READ: Ed Davey tells FA, UEFA to leave FIFA – saying Infantino has ‘destroyed football’s integrity’
White House officials asked to ‘publicly support’ under-fire Gianni Infantino
His latest blunder, however, could be his most fatal. It was reported last week that Gianni Infantino wanted sell private stakes in FIFA and the World Cup, making a mockery of the people’s game and its integrity. This has triggered a huge backlash, with several confederations refusing to back his plans.
Confidence undermined, Infantino now faces a battle to stay in his job. He might, however, have one lifeline left. As claimed by the New York Post on Monday, Infantino has made a desperate plea to the White House, asking officials – including Marco Rubio – to show their support.
It’s understood that the FIFA boss wants to convince US representatives that football, which still struggles for popularity in America, can be a major force for ‘soft power’. He is also reportedly seeking public assurances from some of his most powerful allies, with those in the White House top of the list.
Who is Gianni Infantino? FIFA’s main man under pressure
Infantino had a relatively mild start to his career as FIFA President, assuming the reins from Sepp Blatter in 2016. His predecessor left the role in shame, following a series of corruption allegations which effectively ended his career. Infantino, quite probably, now finds himself on the same slippery slope.
Football’s most powerful person hasn’t covered himself in glory over the last 12 months or so. He’s made more White House appearances than most, standing alongside Trump while he denigrates and belittles his opponents. However, the sycophancy hit a new level before Christmas.
In a bid to get the president onside, Infantino created a farcical ‘FIFA Peace Prize’ and awarded it to Donald Trump. Weeks later, POTUS would go on to bomb sites in Venezuela and Nigeria, before wreaking more havoc and destruction and ordering strikes on Iran.
What has gone wrong?
Since then, a series of erratic decisions – including the introduction of glorified advertising breaks in the middle of each half – have soured Infantino’s relations with the football-loving public. Alas, all of this pales in comparison to his Trump-themed acquiesces…
FIFA’s top dog overturned a red card for an American player at the World Cup, following a phone call from the Republican leader. He has also allowed Trump to gatecrash the medal ceremonies, and turned a blind eye to visa rules which prevented match officials and national teams from even entering the US.