US President Donald Trump issues backing for under pressure Fifa chief Gianni Infantino
US President Donald Trump has publicly defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino amid calls for his resignation following a controversial investment proposal. The proposal, which involved selling commercial rights to a firm linked to the Kushner family, has faced significant backlash from major football confederations.
Why it matters
The intervention highlights the intersection of international sports governance, high-stakes commercial investment, and political influence.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, US President Donald Trump was awarded the Fifa Peace Prize by Infantino in 2025
US President Donald Trump says it would be a "terrible mistake" if under-pressure Fifa president Gianni Infantino was ousted from his position.
Trump's backing followed Uefa, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issuing an open letter accusing Infantino of breaking trust "through deception" with his aborted Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
FFE would have meant a new company being created to manage commercial and ticketing rights of all Fifa competitions, including World Cups, with 21% sold off to a private investment company.
Trump's comments mark the first time he has come out in defence of Infantino since the FFE plans came to light on 28 July.
"Fifa would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing president Gianni Infantino," Trump wrote on social media.
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