Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter has questioned the relationship between his successor Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump, suggesting that the World Cup Trophy could be in the White House.
Blatter expressed his views in an interview published by The Telegraph on December 5, 2025, stating that he didn't know if Infantino or Trump was his actual successor at FIFA. He also commented on 'personal connections' between Infantino and Trump, and expressed concerns about the direction of football under their influence.
In the interview, Blatter questioned whether Infantino's relationship with Trump was beneficial for football, and suggested that the World Cup Trophy could have been moved to the White House. He also warned that if politicians decide where the game is played, then where is the game going? Blatter's comments have sparked concerns about the influence of politics on football.
The relationship between Trump and Infantino has been a major talking point in recent weeks, with the former becoming increasingly unpopular due to his plans to sell part of the World Cup commercial rights for $20 billion. While the President himself has not been reported to be buying a stake, Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, who is Donald Trump's son-in-law, is part of a private investor group that could do so.
FIFA has come under fire for its plans to sell off part of the World Cup commercial rights, with many critics arguing that it will lead to the commercialization of the sport. Infantino has defended the move, saying that it will help to increase investment in football and improve the quality of the game.
The controversy surrounding the World Cup plans has led to speculation that Infantino could extend his time as President of FIFA beyond the traditional three terms. Infantino has only technically served two terms as an elected President after Blatter initially stepped down.
The latest development in this saga is the emergence of a private investor group that could buy a stake in the World Cup commercial rights. The group is led by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, who is Donald Trump's son-in-law. This development has raised further questions about the influence of politics on football and the direction of the sport under Infantino's leadership.
Source: Yahoo Sports