Donald Trump denies talks with Gianni Infantino over World Cup stake sale

US President Donald Trump has officially denied holding any talks with FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding the controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. During a press engagement at Camp David, Trump provided a brief, decisive response when asked directly if he had discussed selling part of the ownership of the world's most famous tournament with the FIFA chief.

FIFA unveiled an ambitious project last Tuesday aimed at establishing a subsidiary company valued at approximately $20 billion. The scheme involves selling ownership stakes of up to 20% in this new entity, which is slated to manage and organize the World Cup alongside other major tournaments under the federation's banner.

Public scrutiny has intensified following reports that an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, the younger brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, is likely to lead the group of potential investors. While Trump and Infantino share a close relationship built upon the hosting of recent tournaments in the US, the President's explicit denial attempts to distance his administration from the financial specifics of the deal.