US President Donald Trump has publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino, warning that removing him would be a "terrible mistake." The support comes amid growing pressure on Infantino from football's governing bodies.
Trump's Endorsement
In a social media post, Trump said: "FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing president Gianni Infantino. He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented. If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again."
The US president's backing arrives more than a week after UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Federation (AFF) accused Infantino of breaking trust "through deception" over his aborted proposal to sell commercial and ticketing rights for future World Cups to private investors.
Controversial Ties
Infantino has maintained a close relationship with Trump, awarding him the inaugural FIFA 'Peace Prize' in December 2025. The investment group behind Infantino's controversial plan is led by the brother of Trump's son-in-law, raising questions about the motives behind the support.
Critics note the irony of Trump, a divisive figure, defending Infantino, whose reputation has been tarnished by past associations, including with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The article suggests that Infantino's alliance with Trump may have contributed to his current predicament, and that Trump's support could further damage his credibility.
