Trump backs Infantino, threats FIFA against replacing its president
US president says removing FIFA chief would be a serious mistake as football governing body faces growing criticism
WASHINGTON (MNTV) — President Donald Trump has defended FIFA President Gianni Infantino, warning that replacing the football governing body’s chief would be a “terrible mistake” as pressure mounts over his leadership.
Trump made the comments in a post on his Truth Social platform, describing Infantino as a “fantastic” leader and praising his role in what he called a highly successful 2026 World Cup.
The intervention marks Trump’s first public defence of Infantino since controversy emerged over FIFA’s plans to establish a private investment vehicle linked to the World Cup.
FIFA abandoned the proposed scheme after facing strong opposition from several major football confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF. Critics accused Infantino and FIFA of pursuing the plan without adequate consultation and raised concerns over transparency and governance.
Infantino has faced increasing calls for accountability following the controversy, with some national football associations also questioning his leadership.
Trump, however, argued that FIFA would harm the sport if it removed Infantino, saying the organisation should retain its current leadership.
The US president’s comments come weeks after he and Infantino appeared together during the World Cup final in the United States. Infantino has also maintained a close public relationship with Trump during preparations for the tournament.
The dispute has exposed growing divisions within FIFA, with leading continental football bodies demanding greater transparency and stronger institutional accountability while Infantino continues to receive support from several influential figures and federations.
FIFA has not announced any immediate leadership change, while the debate over Infantino’s future continues amid calls for reforms to the organisation’s decision-making and commercial practices.
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