Trump backs Infantino and warns FIFA against ‘terrible mistake’

Donald Trump has defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying world football’s governing body would make a “terrible mistake” if it considered replacing the 56-year-old Swiss official.

Infantino has faced intense criticism in recent weeks, particularly over a proposed investment scheme connected to the World Cup. The FIFA president recently presented a plan that would allow investors to take part in the tournament in order to generate profits.

The proposal has prompted widespread opposition, with UEFA going as far as calling for a boycott. Other football federations have also condemned Infantino’s plans and expressed concern about the direction of the governing body.

Trump, however, has rejected the criticism and used his Truth Social account to publicly support Infantino.

“FIFA would make a grave mistake if, for one reason or another, it were to consider replacing President Gianni Infantino. He is fantastic and has just presided over the most successful World Cup of all time. If he leaves, it will never again experience such success or profitability.”

The statement underlines the close relationship between Trump and Infantino, which was particularly visible during this summer’s World Cup.

The pair’s relationship reportedly extended to direct contact during the tournament. Trump is said to have called Infantino after American striker Folarin Balogun was sent off.

Balogun’s suspension was lifted shortly afterwards, allowing him to play in the last-16 match against Belgium.

Infantino’s position has come under renewed scrutiny following his plans to bring investors into the World Cup and create new opportunities for profit from the competition. The proposal has drawn a strong reaction across European and international football, with UEFA and other national football organisations raising their objections.

Trump’s intervention places him firmly on the side of the FIFA president at a time when Infantino is facing pressure over the investment project. Rather than joining the calls for criticism or opposition, the American president said FIFA should retain its current leader and credited Infantino with overseeing a World Cup he described as the most successful in history.

He also linked Infantino’s continued leadership directly to the tournament’s future financial performance, warning that FIFA would not enjoy the same level of success or profitability if the Swiss official were to leave.

The support comes after the strong personal connection between the two men became evident during the World Cup. According to the report, that relationship was reflected in Trump’s alleged call to Infantino following Balogun’s dismissal. The subsequent lifting of the suspension meant the striker was available for the knockout-stage meeting with Belgium.