India, Aug. 4 -- Gianni Infantino's grip on FIFA appears to be under unprecedented pressure. The collapse of his controversial plan to privatise the commercial rights of the World Cup has sparked growing calls for his removal as FIFA president. Amid the escalating crisis, US President Donald Trump has reportedly stepped in, determined to help his close ally retain power.

The proposal, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), would have transferred the commercial rights to FIFA's flagship tournaments-including the men's World Cup, women's World Cup and Club World Cup-into a separate commercial entity.

FIFA would then sell a minority stake in that company to outside investors, with the venture reportedly valued at around $20 billion. The i...