Trump Backs Infantino as FIFA President
US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Gianni Infantino, warning FIFA that removing its president would be a “terrible mistake” as an increasingly bitter leadership dispute threatens to deepen within world football.
Trump’s intervention comes just days after UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF jointly accused Infantino of breaking trust over a controversial proposal to open FIFA’s commercial operations to private investment.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised Infantino’s leadership and pointed to the success of the 2026 World Cup, which was co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Trump argued that FIFA’s commercial performance and global reach could suffer if Infantino were replaced.
The dispute centres on FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed FIFA-controlled commercial entity that would bring together broadcasting, sponsorship, licensing, ticketing and hospitality rights, alongside the operational delivery of FIFA tournaments.
FIFA says the initiative is intended to unlock previously untapped commercial value and increase funding available to its 211 member associations. The proposal would allow outside investors to acquire minority, non-controlling stakes in the new entity, subject to approval by FIFA’s member associations and Council.
However, the plan has triggered strong opposition from several major football bodies. UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF said Infantino’s handling of the proposal represented a serious failure of judgement and called for greater transparency, accountability and changes in FIFA leadership.
The proposed venture was reportedly valued at about $20 billion, with FIFA seeking to raise billions from external investors. Infantino also offered financial incentives to member associations that supported the proposal before a September deadline.
Infantino has rejected suggestions that he is facing a coordinated campaign to remove him, while continuing to defend the commercial plan.
