Trump defends FIFA President Infantino amid wave of criticism

US President Donald Trump said on July 28 that replacing FIFA President Gianni Infantino would be a “terrible mistake”, as the world football leader faces mounting pressure from continental confederations after his plan to sell part of the World Cup to private investors was exposed.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump insisted FIFA would make a serious mistake if it considered replacing Infantino, who awarded him the “FIFA Peace Award” at last year’s World Cup draw. The US President called Infantino “a great person” and praised him for organizing the most successful World Cup ever.

Trump’s comment marked the first time he has publicly defended Infantino since FIFA’s controversial financial plan was leaked on July 28. He had previously attended the World Cup final alongside Infantino last month.

The US President’s statement contrasts with the stance of the United States Soccer Federation (US Soccer), which has joined the wave of opposition to the FIFA President.

Three continental confederations send open letter

Infantino has come under fresh criticism in an open letter signed by three confederations—UEFA (Europe), CONCACAF (North and Central America), and the AFC (Asia). The letter accuses the world football leader of breaking trust “through deception”.

“Leadership in football is not an asset. It is not about holding—or demanding—power. When trust is broken by deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned,” the letter states.

FIFA reacted on July 27 to efforts to “undermine” the world football governing body and Infantino personally.

World Cup stake plan and backlash

Infantino had launched a plan to bring private capital into FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, but later withdrew it amid fierce criticism. UEFA called it “a bad, non-transparent backroom deal” and continued to attack Infantino on July 28 for “lack of judgment”.

The threat by UEFA to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if the private investment plan were implemented, is seen as a key factor in Infantino’s retreat.

Infantino’s term future

Infantino, 56, a Swiss national, has been FIFA President for 10 years. He seemed almost certain to be unopposed for a fourth term after successfully organizing the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, until his plan was exposed.

CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani is seen as a potential candidate to challenge Infantino, who will stand for re-election for a fourth term at the FIFA Congress in March 2027. Candidates must be confirmed by November 18.

Infantino has received backing from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), while South America’s CONMEBOL has largely supported him. Individual member associations, not confederations, will vote in the FIFA election.

Infantino also enjoys support from Mexico (a CONCACAF member) and two AFC members—Kuwait and Qatar (host of the 2022 World Cup), where he has a residence.

Confederations’ reaction

After an emergency meeting in Morocco last week, where Infantino received “full support” from FIFA’s senior directors, the three continental confederations dismissed the move as meaningless.

The recent meeting, which included “a selected number of members of the FIFA Governance Committee”, according to the three confederations, “represents the continuation of the very pattern of behavior that has brought us to this point”.

The letter emphasized: “That is not the behavior of a custodian of the game, but of someone who believes the game should be accountable to him.”

The three confederations also affirmed that football’s growth over the past decade “has never been the work of a single individual”, but rather the product of FIFA, the confederations, member associations, and thousands of people dedicated to the game. “Football’s strength has always been its unity,” the letter concluded.