FIFA has denied reports that its president, Gianni Infantino, had been in contact with US President Donald Trump and members of his government in recent days.
FIFA's media center said in a statement: "The FIFA president has not contacted the US president or any member of his administration in recent days. This is completely unfounded," referring to what was published by the British newspaper The Times.
The British daily newspaper reported that Infantino allegedly sought Trump's help after his plans regarding investors failed and criticism of his management style increased.
The Times also referred to a report published by the widely circulated American newspaper, the New York Post.
The newspaper, citing an unnamed source, said that Infantino felt "isolated" in the face of a barrage of negative media reports, adding: "He is looking for influential allies to support him publicly."
The FIFA president is facing increasing pressure following the controversy sparked by the federation's plans to involve private sector investors in managing the commercial rights for the World Cup tournaments, a move that has been criticized by a number of continental federations, most notably UEFA.
