Sports
Trump backs Infantino amid FIFA crisis, warns against replacing him
US President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid growing pressure on the football governing body’s leader over allegations of a workplace affair and criticism surrounding a failed private investment proposal.
Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Monday, described Infantino as a “fantastic” leader and warned FIFA against considering his replacement.
“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” Trump wrote.
He also credited Infantino with overseeing what he described as the most successful World Cup ever staged, adding that the tournament would not be as successful or profitable without him.
“If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!” Trump said.
Trump’s intervention contrasts with the position of the United States Soccer Federation, which, alongside Canada Soccer and football organisations in Central America and the Caribbean, has criticised aspects of Infantino’s leadership.
Infantino, who is due to seek re-election next March, has denied allegations of wrongdoing, while FIFA has continued to support its president.
The organisation described the criticism against him as “a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” FIFA.
The Confederation of African Football and South American football governing body CONMEBOL are also among organisations that have expressed support for Infantino.
Investment Plan Sparks Backlash
Infantino has faced mounting criticism over a now-abandoned proposal to establish a new commercial subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
FIFA said the proposed venture could have raised up to $4.2 billion based on a $20 billion valuation, with the subsidiary expected to oversee commercial activities linked to major competitions, including the World Cup and Club World Cup.
The proposal triggered a backlash within football, including criticism from organisations inside and outside FIFA.
European football’s governing body UEFA reportedly went as far as threatening to boycott the World Cup over the controversy surrounding the plan.
Infantino eventually withdrew the proposal two weeks ago following the growing opposition.
FIFA’s senior leadership subsequently gave Infantino its “full support” and acknowledged that “errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media.”
The organisation also apologised for the controversy surrounding the plan.
FIFA had said the proposal, if approved, could have provided each of its 211 member associations with a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027, while increasing funding allocations for the 2027–2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million.
However, rather than easing concerns, the proposal generated further opposition and intensified calls for Infantino to step down.
Defending his decision to withdraw the plan, Infantino said FIFA’s objective had always been to unite and improve the sport.
“Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve,” he said.
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