3 weeks ago
Trump backs FIFA chief Infantino amid crisis, warns against replacement
There is a big boss of world soccer named Gianni Infantino.
Some people are upset with him.
He had a plan to let private investors buy part of the World Cup, but many people got angry, so he stopped the plan.
Some soccer groups say he was not honest and broke their trust.
Mr. Infantino says the bad things people say about him are not true.
The president of the United States, Donald Trump, is a big supporter of Mr. Infantino.
Mr. Trump wrote on a social media app called Truth Social that it would be a terrible mistake to replace him.
Mr. Trump says Mr. Infantino gave the world the best World Cup ever and made FIFA very successful.
Other soccer groups in Africa and South America also support Mr. Infantino.
Mr. Infantino will try to keep his job when FIFA picks its president again in March.
US President Donald Trump publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Monday, warning on Truth Social that replacing him would be a 'terrible mistake.'
UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC accused Infantino of a serious breach of trust and 'deception' over the withdrawn 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' plan to sell roughly a 20 percent stake in World Cup commercial and operational rights.
Infantino, who denies any wrongdoing, also faces allegations of a workplace affair and criticism over a failed private investment scheme.
CAF and CONMEBOL support Infantino, and Mexico, Kuwait and Qatar have backed him, while US Soccer, Canada Soccer and England's Football Association have criticized or withdrawn their support.
Infantino, seeking a fourth and final term, faces re-election at the FIFA Congress in March 2027, with candidates to be declared by November 18.
- Who
- US President Donald Trump, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and regional confederations UEFA, CONCACAF, AFC, CAF and CONMEBOL
- What
- Trump publicly backed Infantino amid accusations of deception over the withdrawn 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' proposal, allegations of a workplace affair, and criticism over a failed private investment scheme
- Where
- No specific location is given; Trump's statement was posted on the Truth Social platform
- When
- Monday, when Trump posted on Truth Social; Infantino faces re-election at the FIFA Congress in March 2027
- Why
- Trump said FIFA would make a terrible mistake if it replaced Infantino, calling him 'fantastic' and crediting him with the most successful World Cup ever presented
Pro-Infantino Camp
Infantino's Critics
Infantino's future at FIFA
Pro-Infantino Camp
Trump warned that FIFA would make a terrible mistake if it replaced Infantino, calling him 'fantastic'; CAF and CONMEBOL reaffirmed their support, along with Mexico, Kuwait and Qatar.
Infantino's Critics
UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF accused Infantino of a serious breach of trust and 'deception,' and England's Football Association has reportedly withdrawn its support for his re-election.
Nature of the allegations
Pro-Infantino Camp
FIFA described the backlash as 'a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine' the organization, and Infantino denies any wrongdoing.
Infantino's Critics
Critics pointed to the withdrawn 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' proposal, allegations of a workplace affair, and a failed private investment scheme as reasons for concern.
Infantino's record
Pro-Infantino Camp
Trump said Infantino presided over the most successful World Cup ever presented and warned that without him FIFA would never be as successful or profitable again.
Infantino's Critics
UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF said the sport's progress 'was never the work of one individual' and demanded accountability, criticizing what they called a 'failure of judgment.'
Key facts
- US President
- Donald Trump
- FIFA President
- Gianni Infantino
- Allegations
- Workplace affair; failed private investment scheme; 'deception' and breach of trust over World Cup rights proposal
- Controversial proposal
- 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' - withdrawn plan to sell roughly 20 percent stake in World Cup commercial and operational rights
- Infantino's response
- Denies allegations of wrongdoing
- Election timing
- FIFA Congress, March 2027; candidate declaration deadline November 18
- Trump's statement platform
- Truth Social
- Supporters and critics
- CAF, CONMEBOL, Mexico, Kuwait and Qatar back Infantino; UEFA, AFC, CONCACAF, US Soccer, Canada Soccer and England's FA are critical
Quotes
US President Donald Trump
The 45th President of the United States
“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino, and if he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!”
deccanchronicle.com
wionews.com
“If he is gone, I think it would be a terrible mistake.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
Donald Trump Throws Support Behind Gianni Infantino Amid Growing FIFA Exit Calls
Trump Says Would Be 'Terrible Mistake' To Replace FIFA President Infantino
US President Donald Trump backs FIFA chief Gianni Infantino amid ongoing crisis
'They Would Be Making A Terrible Mistake': US President Donald Trump Warns FIFA Against Replacing Gianni Infantino
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