US President Donald Trump has shown his support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is currently facing scrutiny over accusations of a workplace affair and criticism surrounding a failed private investment initiative.
Trump stated on Truth Social that replacing Infantino would be a grave mistake for FIFA, describing the Italian-Swiss lawyer as “fantastic” and crediting him with overseeing the most successful World Cup ever held. He emphasized that without Infantino, future events would not achieve the same level of success or profitability.
Trump’s position stands in contrast to US Soccer’s response, which, along with Canada Soccer and various football organizations in Central America and the Caribbean, issued statements criticizing FIFA’s leader.
As Infantino faces a re-election next March, he has denied any wrongdoing. FIFA has also expressed its support for him, describing the backlash as an attempt by some to undermine the organization.
Several football bodies, such as the Confederation of African Football and South America’s CONMEBOL, align with Trump’s support for Infantino.
FIFA had suggested a plan that could generate up to $4.2 billion through a new commercial entity, the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), aimed at managing major events like the World Cup and Club World Cup. However, Infantino has faced mounting pressure over how he handled this proposal, leading to increased calls for his resignation after he withdrew the plan.
