Donald Trump says removing Gianni Infantino would be a terrible mistake
US President Donald Trump defends under-pressure Fifa president Gianni Infantino over the failed FFE investment plans and praises his World Cup record.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Donald Trump defended Gianni Infantino, stating that ousting him would be a terrible mistake.
- The crisis stems from the FFE plan to sell a 21% commercial and ticketing stake to private investors.
- Uefa, Concacaf, and the AFC issued a joint letter accusing Infantino of breaking trust through deception.
- The Thrive Eternal venture firm linked to the plan is founded by the brother of Trump's son-in-law.
United States President Donald Trump has stepped forward to defend Gianni Infantino, stating on social media that it would be a terrible mistake if the under-pressure Fifa president was removed from his position. This marks the first time Trump has publicly backed Infantino since the controversial FFE commercial and ticketing plans came to light on 28 July.
The proposed FFE initiative would have created a new entity to manage commercial and ticketing rights for all Fifa competitions, including World Cups, with 21% sold off to a private investment firm. Thrive Eternal, an American venture capital outfit founded by Joshua Kushner—the brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared—was expected to lead the investor group. Infantino and Trump share a close relationship, with the Fifa boss having awarded Trump the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize in December 2025.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Trump praised Infantino's leadership, noting that he had just presided over the most successful World Cup ever presented, pointing to the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico where Spain lifted the trophy after defeating Argentina. However, when addressing the FFE proposals for the first time on 31 July, Trump admitted he had not spoken directly to Infantino about the plans.
The controversy surrounding Infantino highlights the ongoing power struggle between global sports governance bodies and continental confederations over commercialization and revenue control. Trump's intervention underscores the complex intersection of political influence, family business ties, and sports administration, though it remains uncertain if external political backing can mend fractured relationships within European and international football institutions.
Pressure on Infantino escalated further after Uefa, Concacaf, and the AFC issued a joint letter condemning the leadership. The statement declared that when trust is broken through deception and when an individual places himself above the collective, duty has been abandoned.
"Fifa would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing president Gianni Infantino"
Donald Trump
Although the joint letter did not explicitly name Infantino, sources indicate it was intended as an opportunity for him to step down with dignity. With the United States Soccer Federation also calling for meaningful change and Uefa threatening boycotts and legal action, Trump's backing may offer personal comfort to Infantino, but its effectiveness in securing his position within the footballing world remains highly questionable.
Source: BBC Sport
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