U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson declined to confirm whether the federation formally endorsed Gianni Infantino's re-election campaign or whether it would withdraw any previous letter of support. The silence comes during ongoing questions surrounding FIFA leadership.
Infantino's re-election bid had secured backing from more than 200 of FIFA's 211 member associations before recent controversies. The Football Association in England also planned to back his re-election but similarly declined to confirm whether its letter of support was sent.
The broader controversy centers on Infantino's attempt to sell a stake in the World Cup, a plan that drew strong resistance. CONCACAF, which represents 41 countries across North America, Central America and the Caribbean, rejected the proposal. U.S. Soccer publicly aligned with CONCACAF, saying it "stands with CONCACAF and its members." The Asian Football Confederation, with 47 members, also expressed serious concerns over the private investment proposal and affirmed solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF. Infantino ultimately withdrew the plan after concluding he lacked the votes to proceed.
An unnamed senior official close to President Trump said the president intends to support Infantino. "Gianni helped us a lot to deliver the best World Cup ever," the official said. "The president likes him a lot. I am sure the president will do everything possible to help him."
Trump also revealed he called Infantino to lobby for a review of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun's red card during a World Cup last-32 match. FIFA later suspended Balogun's ban but denied Trump's calls influenced the decision.
Batson said the public outcry over Balogun's red card reflects soccer's changing position in the American sports landscape.
U.S. Soccer recently finalized a new deal with USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino that extends his tenure through the 2030 World Cup. The offer was made before the recent World Cup tournament began. Pochettino met with Batson over dinner on May 24 at Jean-Georges, a restaurant inside Trump International Hotel & Tower in New York, to discuss the federation's long-term plans.
"[U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson] asked if we are open to listen [to] the project of the federation for the next four years and we said, of course, we are open," Pochettino said.
