‘Terrible mistake’ if FIFA ousts Infantino as president, says Trump
WASHINGTON: United States President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind FIFA president Gianni Infantino at a moment when the football governing body is facing one of its most serious leadership crises in years.
Trump’s intervention was anything but neutral. In a statement on Tuesday, he warned that removing Infantino would be a “terrible mistake,” praising the Swiss-Italian administrator for presiding over what he described as the most successful World Cup ever. Trump said FIFA would be less successful and profitable without Infantino.
Yet the endorsement comes against a backdrop of mounting resistance to Infantino within football itself. UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have expressed serious concerns over FIFA’s governance following the collapse of a controversial proposal to sell a stake in a new commercial entity controlling World Cup rights.
The proposed deal, reportedly worth billions of dollars, was withdrawn after fierce criticism over a lack of consultation.
Infantino has retained substantial support among FIFA’s 211 member associations, with more than 200 reportedly having endorsed his bid for a fourth term as recently as July. But opposition has become increasingly visible, particularly in Europe, where questions over FIFA’s decision-making have raised the prospect of a serious challenge before the presidential election scheduled for March 2027.
Trump and Infantino have cultivated a close relationship in recent years, particularly during preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Infantino has repeatedly praised Trump’s role in the tournament, while FIFA has maintained a presence in Trump Tower and the two men have appeared together at several high-profile events.
That relationship has also attracted political scrutiny. A U.S. congressional investigation has sought records concerning contacts between FIFA, Infantino, Trump and the president’s family business.
Trump’s latest intervention therefore carries significance beyond football. His words may strengthen Infantino’s position among FIFA members already inclined to support him, but they could also reinforce the perception among critics that the FIFA presidency has become entangled with political power.
For now, Infantino remains firmly in the race. But as opposition grows, Trump’s backing may prove less a decisive endorsement than another chapter in an increasingly complicated battle over who controls world football.
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