Fifa is poised to secure a last-minute tax exemption for all 48 World Cup qualifiers after intensive negotiations with the US treasury. After months of lobbying Fifa has secured a significant breakthrough that should result in the national associations being exempt from federal taxes, although many will still have to pay state and city tax on their World Cup earnings. After talks with the treasury that have also involved Donald Trump’s World Cup taskforce, Fifa is understood to have received an undertaking that national associations can apply to be tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the treasury’s internal revenue code. Although a successful application is not guaranteed, Fifa has been reassured that it is likely to be granted if applicants follow the proper procedures.…