The US president has publicly backed Infantino amid mounting pressure on the FIFA chief following controversy over a failed plan involving World Cup commercial rights.
US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino, warning that world football’s governing body would be making a “terrible mistake” if it considered replacing him.
Trump made the intervention as Infantino faces growing criticism from senior football bodies following the collapse of a controversial proposal involving the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Infantino and pointed to the recently completed 2026 World Cup, describing the FIFA president’s stewardship of the tournament in highly positive terms. Trump also argued that FIFA’s future success and profitability would suffer if Infantino were removed.
The comments come amid an escalating governance dispute within international football. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF issued a joint open letter criticising Infantino over an abandoned proposal to sell an interest in World Cup commercial rights to outside investors.
The three confederations accused FIFA’s leadership of deception and a breach of trust and called for an independent investigation into the matter.
According to Reuters, the abandoned proposal involved selling a 20 per cent stake in World Cup commercial rights for approximately $4.2 billion. The fallout has intensified pressure on Infantino’s leadership.
FIFA has defended its president, while support for Infantino remains divided across world football. Some football bodies are demanding reforms or leadership changes, while others continue to back him.
Trump and Infantino developed a highly visible relationship in the build-up to and during the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The US president’s intervention adds another dimension to a significant dispute over FIFA governance and the future direction of the organisation.
Infantino’s position will remain under scrutiny as FIFA moves toward its next presidential election cycle in 2027.
Why Infantino is under pressure
- UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF have criticised FIFA over the failed World Cup commercial-rights proposal.
- The confederations accused FIFA leadership of deception and a breach of trust.
- They have called for greater accountability and an independent investigation.
- FIFA has defended Infantino amid deepening divisions within international football.
- Trump has publicly warned FIFA against replacing its president.