Donald Trump backs Infantino as world football turns against FIFA president

Donald Trump has backed Gianni Infantino as FIFA faces growing pressure over its failed World Cup investment plan. UEFA, AFC and Concacaf are demanding an independent review of the controversial proposal.Infantino is seeking another term in FIFA's 2027 presidential election. (Photo: Reuters)US President Donald Trump has come out in support of FIFA president Gianni Infantino as pressure grows over the abandoned plan to sell a stake in the commercial business around the World Cup. Trump has warned football's governing bodies that removing Infantino would be a "terrible mistake".Trump made the comments in a Truth Social post on Monday, praising Infantino's role in the 2026 World Cup and saying FIFA would not enjoy the same success without him. His intervention comes as UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Concacaf demand an independent review of the controversial proposal."FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino," Trump wrote. He also called Infantino "fantastic" and said the FIFA president had overseen the most successful World Cup ever.The timing of Trump's backing is significant. Infantino is facing one of the biggest challenges of his presidency after a proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new commercial vehicle for World Cup-related business, triggered a revolt among some of football's most powerful confederations. INFANTINO UNDER PRESSUREThe proposal involved selling a minority stake in the new entity to private investors. Reports said the plan could have involved around 21% of future World Cup commercial interests, with the new company valued at around $20 billion. The proposal was eventually withdrawn after widespread opposition.UEFA, AFC and Concacaf have rejected the idea that the controversy was simply a communication problem. In their joint letter, the three confederations argued that the proposal was pushed forward too quickly, without sufficient consultation with FIFA's member associations. They have called for an independent investigation into how the plan was developed and why it was presented in the manner it was.UEFA has also kept open the possibility of stronger action, including a boycott of FIFA competitions, while Infantino has apologised for mistakes made during the process.The dispute has therefore moved beyond the commercial proposal itself. It is now a test of how FIFA is governed and how much power its president should wield.TRUMP, INFANTINO AND THE WORLD CUPTrump's intervention has also revived questions about the unusually close relationship between the US president and Infantino, particularly after the 2026 World Cup was staged across the US, Canada and Mexico.The connection has attracted greater scrutiny because of the investors linked to the proposed commercial structure. Among those reported to be involved was Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, the younger brother of Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. The proposed investment structure was therefore closely examined for its links to Trump's wider circle.Infantino's relationship with Trump had already drawn attention during the World Cup. His decision to award Trump FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize had also raised questions about the governing body's proximity to the US president.There has also been reporting that Infantino sought Trump's backing after the World Cup investment plan collapsed. FIFA has rejected that account, calling it false, so that claim remains disputed.What is beyond dispute is Trump's latest intervention. While UEFA, AFC and Concacaf are demanding accountability from Infantino, the US president is publicly warning FIFA against replacing him.Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and is seeking another term in the 2027 presidential election. The fight over his future is now no longer just about a failed commercial plan. It has become a much broader battle over FIFA's leadership, independence and who gets to shape the future of world football.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Aug 11, 2026 15:23 IST