President Donald Trump on Tuesday publicly urged FIFA not to move against its president, Gianni Infantino, saying any effort to replace him would be a "terrible mistake" and warning the governing body it "would never be as successful or profitable again" if it ousted him.
U.S. president weighs in as FIFA faces scrutiny
Trump posted his comments on his Truth Social platform as debate intensified in the soccer world over Infantino's leadership and a controversial proposal tied to the sale of commercial rights for upcoming World Cups. Those discussions have prompted calls from some quarters for Infantino to step down.
"FIFA would be making a terrible mistake"
The president's public backing arrives at a sensitive moment. Infantino has come under criticism from various corners of international soccer over actions and proposals that some officials and observers describe as problematic. Trump, who has developed a public rapport with Infantino in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup hosted in part by the United States, framed potential moves to remove the FIFA president as damaging to the organization's future performance and profitability.
Political and commercial stakes ahead of 2026 World Cup
Trump's intervention underscores the increasingly political nature of major international sporting events. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, presents substantial commercial and reputational stakes for both FIFA and host nations. The president's message signals U.S. interest in stability within soccer's governing body as planning and commercial arrangements continue.
Observers say statements from a sitting U.S. president can complicate governance conversations inside international federations, where member associations and independent committees weigh leadership and ethics questions. Trump's remarks align him publicly with Infantino at a time when some national associations, media outlets and former officials have urged scrutiny or change.
How Trump framed his support
- Trump used Truth Social to deliver his message directly to followers and to media outlets that cite his posts.
- He warned that FIFA would suffer both in success and profitability if Infantino were removed.
- The president described Infantino positively in comments reported by multiple outlets, saying he is "fantastic," according to coverage aggregators.
Coverage of the president's comments has been widespread across sports and news outlets, reflecting the cross-cutting interest in governance at FIFA and the commercial model that underpins global soccer. The dispute centers in part on a proposed private sale tied to future World Cups — a topic that has drawn criticism and intensified calls for accountability within FIFA.
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Platform | Truth Social |
| Core message | Removing Infantino would be a "terrible mistake"; FIFA would lose success and profitability |
| Context | Calls for Infantino's removal amid controversy over private sale proposal for future World Cups |
Potential consequences
Trump's statement could affect the internal dynamics at FIFA by bolstering Infantino's position among member associations that view U.S. backing as influential, particularly with the 2026 tournament on the horizon. Conversely, it may intensify criticism from those who argue leadership questions should be resolved independently by FIFA's governance mechanisms and ethics processes.
As the story develops, watch for responses from FIFA, national associations and sponsors; official channels within FIFA are expected to address governance questions through established committees and panels. For now, the president's public support adds a potent political element to a governance dispute playing out on the world football stage.
Reporting continues as national and international outlets examine the implications of the president's intervention and as FIFA and its members assess next steps.
