US President Donald Trump has publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino, warning the governing body it would be making a "terrible mistake" if it considered replacing him.
Trump's endorsement on Truth Social
Mr Trump took to Truth Social on Monday, August 10, writing: "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!"
Criticism and failed investment plan
Mr Infantino has faced considerable criticism following reports that the football governing body had sought to raise up to $4.2 billion (£3.1 billion) by offloading roughly a 20% stake in the organisation. The newly-created arm would have been valued at $20 billion (£14.8 billion).
The deal was reported to have involved Thrive Capital, a firm headed by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner — son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
FIFA Forward Enterprise scrapped
Mr Infantino announced more than a week ago that the FIFA Forward Enterprise project would not be going ahead. He stated that the "project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place". "As a result, this proposal will not proceed."
Pressure from confederations
Prior to abandoning the scheme, Mr Infantino had reportedly given FIFA's 211 member nations until 19th September to back the deal, with pay-outs of up to $40 million each dangled before them as an incentive. The circumstances have been labelled 'a bribe with a deadline' and Mr Infantino has faced severe criticism, even from within his closest allies.
This has intensified pressure on his hold over the presidency ahead of the election in March. UEFA and two other confederations have begun preliminary discussions about staging competitions independently amid the furore.
Europe's governing body, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF, which governs football in the Caribbean, North and Central America, have accused Mr Infantino of "deception". While it is understood they wish to afford him the opportunity to step down and depart his role with dignity without pursuing re-election in March next year, they are keen to shield themselves from the developing crisis.
