US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Gianni Infantino, warning FIFA that replacing its president would be a “terrible mistake” as pressure continues to build around the governing body’s leadership.
Infantino has faced growing criticism following the collapse of plans to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the men’s World Cup to private investors.
The proposal triggered strong opposition from football leaders and confederations, placing Infantino under increased scrutiny at a time when his position at the top of world football has become a major talking point.
Trump, however, has now publicly backed the FIFA president.In a post on his Truth Social platform early Tuesday, the US president argued that removing Infantino could have serious financial and sporting consequences for FIFA.
Trump praised Infantino’s leadership and pointed to the success of the recent World Cup as evidence of what the FIFA president has delivered.
“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing president Gianni Infantino,” the US president wrote.
“He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented.
“If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!”
Trump’s intervention adds another significant voice to an increasingly heated debate surrounding Infantino’s future.
The FIFA president had appeared to be on course for another term with little resistance, but the fallout from the failed commercial plan has changed the political landscape surrounding his leadership.
The proposed World Cup commercial structure became a major source of controversy after FIFA explored the possibility of bringing private investors into future tournament revenues.
The plan faced resistance from several parts of the football establishment and was eventually abandoned.
That setback has raised questions about Infantino’s leadership and whether he can retain the confidence of FIFA’s member associations and influential continental confederations.
The opposition has also created uncertainty ahead of the next FIFA presidential election.
While Infantino continues to have supporters, the growing criticism means the race for football’s top job could become far more politically charged than previously expected.
Trump’s defence of Infantino is largely centred on the commercial and sporting success of the World Cup.
By describing the tournament as the most successful ever staged, the US president has positioned Infantino’s leadership as a key factor behind FIFA’s recent achievements.
His warning also suggests that any change at the top of FIFA could carry financial consequences.
For Infantino, the public endorsement comes at a crucial moment.
The FIFA president must now navigate criticism from football officials while maintaining support among the 211 member associations that ultimately determine the organisation’s leadership.
Trump’s intervention is unlikely to end the debate surrounding Infantino, but it adds another layer to an already complicated FIFA power struggle.
The failed investment plan has exposed divisions within global football, while the question of who should lead FIFA next is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
Infantino remains in office, but the political pressure surrounding him has clearly intensified.
With football’s governing body facing difficult questions about governance, finances and its relationship with private investors, the coming months could prove decisive.
For now, Trump has made his position unmistakable: he believes FIFA should stick with Infantino.Whether football’s wider leadership agrees remains the bigger question.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
