Trump warns FIFA against forcing Infantinno to leave

By Amaechi Agbo

President of the United States of America, Donald Trump says it would be a “terrible mistake” if under-pressure FIFA president Gianni Infantino was ousted from his position.
Trump’s backing followed UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issuing an open letter accusing Infantino of breaking trust “through deception” with his aborted FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
FFE would have meant a new company being created to manage commercial and ticketing rights of all FIFA competitions, including World Cups, with 21% sold off to a private investment company.
Trump’s comments mark the first time he has come out in defence of Infantino since the FFE plans came to light on 28 July.
“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing president Gianni Infantino,” Trump wrote on social media.
“He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented. If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again.”
The 2026 World Cup was co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico this summer, with Spain crowned champions after beating Argentina in the final.
When addressing the FFE proposals for the first time on 31 July, Trump said he had not spoken to Infantino about the plans.
Thrive Eternal was expected to lead the proposed investor group for FFE.
Thrive is an American venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner – the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared.
Infantino has a close relationship with Trump and awarded him the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize in December 2025.
European football’s governing body Uefa has threatened a boycott of all FIFA competitions, as well as saying it could take legal action over the failed FFE plans.
The letter issued by UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC – the three confederations representing Europe, North America, Central America and the Caribbean, and Asia – came after Fifa said there was a “concerted and ongoing effort” to “undermine” world football’s governing body and Infantino.
BBC reports that there have been preliminary discussions between the three confederations over breakaway competitions, should Infantino remain in his position. However, substantive talks are yet to begin, according to others.