Donald Trump has stepped into the growing crisis around FIFA president Gianni Infantino, warning that removing him would be a “terrible mistake”. His intervention comes as major football confederations question Infantino’s leadership and demand greater transparency from world football’s governing body.
Trump made his support clear in a post on Truth Social. “FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing president Gianni Infantino,” he wrote.
“He is fantastic,” Trump added, praising Infantino for presiding over what he called the most successful World Cup ever. He also claimed the tournament would not be “as successful or profitable again” if Infantino was removed.
The timing is significant. Infantino is facing his biggest leadership challenge since becoming FIFA president, after plans for FIFA Forward Enterprise were abandoned following strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation.
The proposal involved creating a new company to manage FIFA’s commercial and ticketing rights. Around 20 per cent of the business was expected to be sold to private investors, raising concerns over control, transparency and the future of World Cup revenues.
UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC accused FIFA leadership of a “fundamental breach of trust” and said there was a failure of judgment. UEFA has also maintained its threat to boycott FIFA competitions while Infantino remains in office.
US Soccer and Canada Soccer have joined calls for “meaningful change” to strengthen FIFA’s governance, transparency and accountability. That opposition has made Trump’s intervention even more striking.
There is also a personal connection between Trump and Infantino. The FIFA president has built a close relationship with the US president and awarded him FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December 2025.
Trump’s defence therefore adds another layer to an already tense battle. The issue is no longer just about a failed commercial plan, it is about who controls the direction of global football.
FIFA has rejected claims that Infantino should step aside. The organisation says there is a “concerted and ongoing effort” to undermine the president and insists that his mandate comes from FIFA’s 211 member associations.
Trump’s backing offers a powerful ally. But the bigger question remains whether support from outside football can calm the storm inside it.
