The 2026 FIFA World Cup proved to be a controversial one. The United States joined Canada and Mexico as a host nation for the event, but it was the only country that saw its President, Donald Trump, involve himself in the goings-on on the pitch.

By his own admission, Trump stepped in to help get USMNT star Folarin Balogun’s suspension postponed after the electrifying goal scorer was assessed a red card, resulting in him being deemed eligible for the U.S.’s round of 16 match against Belgium. Many people pointed toward Trump’s connection to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who lobbied for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and gave him the newly established FIFA Peace Prize, as a reason why Balogun’s suspension was overturned.

Now, The Times‘ Martyn Ziegler is reporting on a damning “scheme” involving Infantino and people with close ties to the Trump administration.

“EXCLUSIVE: Fifa’s president Gianni Infantino is planning to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors under a scheme that could potentially earn him tens of millions of pounds. Investor discussions held with figures close to the Trump administration, say sources,” Ziegler reported.

“FIFA has now confirmed to The Times this Infantino plan is under discussion with Josh Kushner as proposed lead investor.”

Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, who serves in the Trump administration as the United States Special Envoy for Peace Missions and is married to the president’s daughter, Ivanka. Many people on social media were outraged by the development.

“How did this corrupt Trump family infiltrate global football? This FIFA president gotta go ASAP,” one person posted on X.

“Football associations need to leave FIFA, and it’s corruption. Create a new body without the corrupt 3rd parties and with full transparency.. It’s not Infantino’s to sell and fill his pockets with,” someone else added.

“UEFA needs to break away now. And no access to any federation that does not immediately join them in setting up a new world body,” another person wrote.

As it turns out, UEFA, the governing body of European football, is just as outraged as its fans, and released a statment in response to Ziegler’s reporting on Monday.

The Statement reads:

This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.

The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.

UEFA statement on The Times article: ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ye1tjfWRCb

— UEFA (@UEFA) July 28, 2026

If Infantino is successful in his endeavors, it could change the fabric of global football forever. However, if UEFA’s response is any indication, the sport’s governing bodies across the globe don’t appear inclined to lie down and let it happen.