Trump warning gives Infantino a lifeline as FIFA leadership crisis deepens

US President Donald Trump has intervened in the growing crisis surrounding FIFA president Gianni Infantino, warning the organisation it would make a “grave mistake” if it considered replacing him.

Trump used his Truth Social platform on Monday evening to issue a strong defence of Infantino, calling him “wonderful” and crediting him with overseeing “the most successful World Cup”.

“FIFA would make a grave mistake if it considered, for any reason, even for a moment, replacing its president, Gianni Infantino,” Trump wrote.

He added that if Infantino were to leave, “the tournament will never again be as successful or profitable”.

The intervention comes as Infantino’s position faces mounting pressure and his popularity within world football is reported to have fallen sharply. The FIFA president has been at the centre of controversy over an ambitious and divisive plan to open the organisation to private-sector investors.

That proposal failed to gain the necessary support and has intensified a crisis of confidence within the international football structure.

On Monday, three of the most influential confederations in the game – UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation – issued a joint open letter in an apparent attempt to force Infantino out of office.

The confederations sought to rally the wider “football family” behind their position as divisions deepen over how the crisis should be resolved.

Although the letter did not name Infantino directly, the three bodies did not endorse his efforts to preserve his position. Only a few weeks ago, he had appeared likely to secure a comfortable re-election in March 2027, particularly with the projected financial success of the 2026 World Cup.

The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, and preparations for the event have helped bring Trump and Infantino into close contact.

Their relationship dates back to December 2025, when Infantino presented Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize. The award had been created specifically for that occasion as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Trump’s public message represents an unusually direct intervention in the leadership affairs of FIFA from a national political figure. It also offers Infantino a high-profile show of support at a time when influential football authorities are questioning the future direction of the governing body.

The three confederations’ joint statement and Trump’s response have exposed the depth of the disagreement surrounding Infantino, whose future had seemed considerably more secure before the controversy over private investment and the failed attempt to advance the plan.