Trump Throws Support Behind Infantino as FIFA Pressure Mounts

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing one of the biggest crises of his tenure after the heavily criticized plan to sell part of the commercial rights of the World Cup and other FIFA events. Although FIFA later abandoned the proposal under intense pressure, the controversy has not faded. Calls for Infantino’s resignation are growing louder from across the football world, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC.

Amid this escalating situation, former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly backed Infantino. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that removing Infantino would be a “terrible mistake” for FIFA.

According to Trump, FIFA is unlikely to find another leader as successful as Infantino.

“If they are thinking about removing Gianni Infantino for any reason, FIFA would be making a terrible mistake. He is an outstanding person and recently led what was the most successful World Cup ever. Without him, the World Cup will never again be as successful or as profitable.”

Infantino Was Reportedly Seeking Trump’s Support

The New York Post reported that Infantino had been trying to secure support from the Trump administration as pressure mounted over his future. After the investment plan collapsed, he allegedly made repeated attempts to contact Trump by phone. If those reports are accurate, Trump’s latest comments could be seen as a significant political boost for the FIFA president.

UEFA’s Open Letter Intensifies the Pressure

The crisis deepened further after UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC published a joint open letter criticizing FIFA’s handling of the proposal. The letter said the plan showed “a serious lack of judgment” and accused Infantino of behaving as though he alone held authority over every aspect of world football.

Trump-Infantino Ties Under Fresh Scrutiny

The close relationship between Trump and Infantino has long been a topic of debate in football circles. Last year, Infantino faced criticism for awarding Trump FIFA’s first Peace Award. Their conduct during the recent World Cup also sparked fresh controversy.

The commercial-rights proposal brought those ties back into focus. The proposed investment group was expected to be led by Thrive Capital, whose founder Joshua Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law. The revelation added another layer of controversy to the affair.

Trump has insisted that he did not discuss the investment plan with Infantino.

UEFA Had Even Threatened a Boycott

UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC opposed the proposal from the very beginning. UEFA reportedly went as far as threatening a World Cup boycott, a move widely interpreted as a major warning to FIFA.

The key question now is whether Infantino can survive the mounting criticism and retain his position, or whether growing pressure from across the football world will eventually force him to step aside.