When Gianni Infantino was elected as the FIFA president, many viewed him as a reformer poised to bring transparency to the organization, which had been plagued by scandals. Now, a decade later, his reformist image is in tatters following revelations of a secret arrangement with a Trump family associate to sell a portion of the World Cup to private investors.

The scheme involved a brazen plan to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup and other FIFA tournament rights to a private equity firm led by Joshua Kushner, connected to Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law. Associations were given until September 19 to decide: agree to the plan and receive $20 million, or decline for a significantly lesser sum.

Following public outcry, Infantino withdrew the plan, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise. Despite this, the damage was done. Allegiances shifted against him. National federations, including Serbia, Sweden, and Wales, retracted support. UEFA, the governing body for European soccer, threatened legal action, while CONCACAF and AFC issued condemnations, further endangering his bid for reelection.

Infantino’s downfall is not sudden. Shortly after becoming president in 2016, his name appeared in leaked documents linking him to deals under investigation for corruption. Though eventually cleared of breaching FIFA’s Code of Ethics, his presidency morphed beyond its bureaucratic origins to mingle with influencers across politics.

Infantino inherited World Cups hosted by Russia and Qatar but minimized criticism of human rights abuses there. He accepted honors from Russian President Putin and perks from Qatar. Under Infantino, FIFA’s focus shifted further, evidenced by his close interactions with the Trump administration, including renting office space in Trump Tower.

Infantino’s ties led him to endorse Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. When Trump was overlooked for this prize, Infantino created the FIFA Peace Prize, awarding it to Trump. Infantino’s penchant for mingling with power appeared boundless; his frequent presence in the U.S. government created his defining blunder.

His potential downfall began at a White House dinner honoring Saudi Arabia’s crown prince. Five days before this event, Cristiano Ronaldo received a suspension that would make him miss World Cup games, but the punishment was controversially lifted following the event, an action Trump recalled to request a suspension lift for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun during the 2022 World Cup.

Such controversies didn’t end there. Infantino introduced World Cup changes that deviated from established traditions to enhance FIFA’s revenue, including adding hydration breaks and halftime shows. He also expanded the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams.

His push for private investment, however, involved a promise of personal gain. Reports suggest he was potentially set to lead the investment arm post-FIFA, a role worth $30 million annually. FIFA denounced any discussions about this and refuted claims of Infantino’s attempts to reach out to Trump for assistance.

If Infantino’s presidency ends, another opportunity could arise through Trump’s suggestion that Infantino pursue the role of United Nations Secretary-General succeeding António Guterres.