US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino, warning that the global football governing body would make a serious mistake if it considered removing him from office.
Trump made the remarks on Monday in a post on his Truth Social platform as Infantino faces growing scrutiny over allegations surrounding his leadership of FIFA, including criticism of a proposed private investment scheme linked to the commercial rights of the World Cup.
The US president described Infantino as a “fantastic” leader and strongly rejected the possibility of FIFA replacing him.
Trump said FIFA would be making a “terrible mistake” if it considered replacing the Swiss-Italian football administrator, arguing that Infantino's leadership had contributed to the success of the World Cup.
He also praised the tournament's commercial performance, claiming that Infantino had presided over the most successful World Cup ever and warning that the competition would not be as successful or profitable without him.
Trump's intervention comes at a time when Infantino is facing increased pressure from football stakeholders over a number of controversies surrounding FIFA.
One of the major issues has been the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, an investment initiative that sought to raise billions of dollars by selling a stake in the commercial rights associated with the World Cup to private investors. The proposal was eventually abandoned following opposition and concerns about FIFA's governance and the possible influence of outside investors.
Infantino has also faced criticism over allegations concerning his conduct and leadership of FIFA, increasing calls from some football stakeholders for greater transparency and accountability within the organisation.
Trump's relationship with Infantino has been particularly prominent in recent years, with the two men frequently appearing together around major football events. Trump has also been closely involved in preparations surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The US president's latest comments therefore add a significant political dimension to the growing debate over Infantino's future at FIFA.
Trump argued that removing the FIFA president could undermine the organisation's ability to deliver successful and profitable tournaments. His comments represent a clear public endorsement of Infantino at a time when pressure on the FIFA leadership has intensified.
The controversy is likely to keep attention focused on FIFA's governance, commercial decisions and the relationship between football's governing institutions and powerful political figures.
For now, Infantino continues to lead FIFA, while the debate over his leadership and the organisation's future direction continues among football officials and stakeholders around the world.