The American president has publicly come to the defense of the head of world football's governing body, who faces criticism over a failed plan to sell commercial rights and allegations of a workplace affair.
United States President Donald Trump has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, warning that removing him would be a "terrible mistake." He posted the message on his Truth Social platform at a time when the head of world football's governing body is facing mounting pressure and criticism from powerful football associations.
"FIFA would make a terrible mistake if, for any reason, it even considered removing President Gianni Infantino. He is fantastic, he has just led the most successful World Cup ever, and convincingly so. Without him, it will never be as successful or profitable again!" Trump wrote on Truth Social, signing off as "President DJT." According to Channel News Asia, Trump also added that Infantino "presided over the most successful World Cup, four times more successful than any previous one."
Infantino has come under intense fire in recent days over a plan that sparked a rebellion within world football. He attempted to push through the idea of selling 20 percent of commercial rights tied to the World Cup for around $4.2 billion. Although the plan was eventually withdrawn, it had already caused serious damage to relationships within the organization. Channel News Asia also reports that Infantino faces allegations of a workplace affair, which has further inflamed the situation.
The European football confederation (UEFA), North America's CONCACAF, and Asia's AFC have joined forces in an open letter against Infantino, accusing him of breaching trust and criticizing the way the entire idea was managed. According to Le Figaro, their joint open letter addressed to the "football family" did not directly name Infantino but rejected his attempts to save his position. Some associations have begun withdrawing support for his new term. On the other hand, the African Football Confederation and South America's CONMEBOL, like Trump, support Infantino.
Trump's support comes after a period of close cooperation during the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Infantino was very close to the American president during the tournament, and their relationship was further strengthened in December 2025, when the FIFA chief presented Trump with the "FIFA Peace Award," created especially for the occasion.
FIFA, meanwhile, has come to the defense of its leader, describing the criticism as a "continuous and persistent effort by some to undermine" the organization. Infantino himself has denied any wrongdoing.
Infantino is a candidate for a new term in the FIFA presidential elections scheduled for March 2027. Although it recently seemed he would secure re-election smoothly, the current crisis has seriously shaken his position. The question remains whether Trump's strong intervention will halt the rebellion or further fuel the war already shaking world football. The U.S. Soccer Federation (US Soccer) and the Canadian Soccer Association (Canada Soccer) have already joined the critics, signaling deep divisions even within the CONCACAF region itself.
