US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying it would be a “terrible mistake” for football’s governing body to consider replacing him.
Infantino has faced mounting scrutiny in recent weeks over allegations surrounding a workplace affair and criticism linked to a failed private investment scheme.
However, Trump has defended the FIFA president and praised his leadership ahead of his expected re-election bid next March.
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Photo credit: Lev Radin, Shutterstock
“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
The US president described the Italian-Swiss lawyer as “fantastic” and credited him with overseeing what he called the most successful World Cup ever staged.
“He presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented,” Trump said.
“If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!”
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Photo credit: Rawpixel, Shutterstock
Trump's comments come as Infantino faces criticism from a number of football organisations, creating a contrast between the US president's position and that of US Soccer.
US Soccer joined Canada Soccer and football organisations representing Central America and the Caribbean in issuing a statement critical of Infantino.
The FIFA president has denied allegations of wrongdoing, while the organisation itself has continued to stand behind him.
FIFA has described the criticism as part of a “concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” the organisation and its president.
Vladimir Putin and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Photo credit: A Ricardo, Shutterstock
Infantino is due to face re-election next March, with several major football governing bodies continuing to support him.
The Confederation of African Football and South American governing body CONMEBOL are among those backing the FIFA president.
Trump's intervention comes after the US hosted the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, with the tournament having been a major focus for both FIFA and the US administration.
