A FIFA source told OutKick there is no call scheduled between Infantino and Secretary of State Marco Rubio — or any other member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet — either Monday or at any other time.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGEThe source said the Post’s report that such a conversation had been arranged was erroneous.Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, and Donald Trump, president of the USA, stand after the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19, 2026.(Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)The New York Post reported Monday that Infantino was scheduled to speak privately with Rubio amid growing pressure over his failed attempt to sell a portion of FIFA’s commercial business to private investors.According to the Post, the stated purpose of the conversation was to discuss how soccer could serve as a form of American "soft power." However, one source characterized it as an effort by Infantino to secure support for his position."He wanted to get online with the secretary and talk about how soccer can be a form of soft power for America," the source told the Post.
"But we all know that it is about job protection.It is not about anything else at this point."The report also claimed Infantino had repeatedly attempted to reach Trump since the controversial proposal collapsed Friday and was seeking prominent "allies" willing to publicly defend him.FIFA’s source specifically denied that a call with Rubio or another Trump Cabinet official was scheduled.
FIFA did not provide an on-the-record statement addressing the Post’s separate claim that Infantino had attempted to contact Trump.President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the FIFA World Cup winner's trophy before handing it over to Spain captain Rodri at the award ceremony following the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium ...