US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind FIFA president Gianni Infantino, warning that replacing the football chief would be “a terrible mistake” as pressure mounts on him from major football confederations.
Trump made the comments on Monday in a post on Truth Social, describing Infantino as “fantastic” and crediting him with overseeing what he called the most successful FIFA World Cup ever staged.
“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” Trump wrote. He added that the World Cup would not be as successful or profitable without the Swiss administrator.
Trump’s intervention comes as Infantino faces growing criticism over a controversial proposal to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. The plan was later withdrawn after strong opposition from football authorities, with UEFA reportedly warning that European teams could boycott the tournament if the proposal went ahead.
UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have now issued a joint letter accusing Infantino of damaging trust within football’s governing structure. The confederations said leadership should serve the wider game rather than become centred on one individual.
The dispute has created an unusual divide in the United States. While Trump has defended Infantino, US Soccer has joined the growing criticism of the FIFA president.
Infantino, 56, has led FIFA for about a decade and is seeking a fourth and final term at the FIFA Congress in March 2027. Candidates for the presidency must declare their intentions by November 18, with CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani viewed as a potential challenger.
The FIFA president had appeared likely to secure another term without serious opposition after overseeing the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. That position has become less certain following the controversy over his investment proposal.
Infantino still has support from several influential football bodies, including the Confederation of African Football, while CONMEBOL remains broadly supportive. However, the growing opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC signals a serious leadership dispute ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election.
