WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has publicly denied engaging in private talks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding a controversial multi-billion-dollar business proposal [g1]. The response follows reports that FIFA is considering selling stakes in its commercial subsidiaries, valued at approximately $20 billion, to private investors [g1].

The situation has sparked widespread media scrutiny after reports emerged connecting the potential commercial deal to an investment firm managed by the brother of Trump's son-in-law [g1]. While transparency advocates question the timing of the proposal, international football governing bodies, including UEFA, are strongly opposing the privatization plan.