Donald Trump Backs Gianni Infantino and Warns FIFA Against Replacing Him

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino, warning that replacing him would be a “terrible mistake” amid growing pressure from global football confederations. Trump’s remarks, posted on Truth Social, come after Infantino faced backlash for a controversial plan to sell stakes in World Cup operations to private investors, a proposal that collapsed under intense scrutiny.

The controversy began in late July when Infantino’s FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative was revealed. The plan aimed to create a private entity to manage FIFA’s commercial and event operations, including the World Cup, with a proposed 21% stake sold to Thrive Eternal, a venture capital firm led by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The proposal sparked outrage, with UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) accusing Infantino of “deception” and calling for an independent review. An open letter from the three confederations stated that trust had been “broken through deception” and urged FIFA to prioritize collective interests over individual leadership.

Trump’s intervention, however, underscores a personal and political alignment with Infantino. The U.S. president praised the FIFA leader for overseeing what he called “the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented,” referencing the record-breaking 2026 tournament hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. “If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again,” Trump wrote, framing Infantino’s removal as a threat to football’s financial and organizational stability.

Infantino’s FFE plan had already been scrapped by the time Trump weighed in, following widespread condemnation from European football bodies. UEFA threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions, while the AFC and Concacaf called for Infantino to step down “with dignity” ahead of his 2027 re-election bid. Despite this, the Swiss leader retains support from confederations like the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and CONMEBOL, as well as key member associations such as Mexico and Qatar.

The tension highlights a broader rift within global football governance. The open letter criticized Infantino for prioritizing “power” over service to the sport, accusing him of placing himself “above the collective that entrusted him with authority.” It emphasized that the growth of the World Cup and other initiatives was a shared achievement, not the work of a single leader. Meanwhile, Trump’s endorsement risks further isolating Infantino, as U.S. Soccer and other bodies have criticized his leadership.

Infantino’s tenure has been marked by both triumph and controversy. He was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize by Trump in 2025, a gesture that reflected their close ties. The U.S. president, who attended the 2026 World Cup final, has consistently framed Infantino as a key figure in football’s expansion, despite the fallout from the FFE proposal. Trump’s statement also indirectly addressed the financial stakes, suggesting that Infantino’s departure could undermine the profitability of major tournaments.

As FIFA prepares for its 2027 Congress, the battle over Infantino’s future remains unresolved. While the Swiss leader has secured backing from some factions, the open letter and potential challenges from figures like Concacaf president Victor Montagliani signal a shifting landscape. For now, Trump’s intervention adds a new layer of complexity, blending personal loyalty with broader debates about transparency and power in world football.