U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed strong support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, stating that removing him from his position would be a significant mistake. Trump praised Infantino’s leadership, particularly highlighting the success of the recent World Cup. Trump’s endorsement of Infantino came shortly after UEFA, the AFC, and CONCACAF issued a joint letter criticizing Infantino’s handling of a proposed sale of World Cup commercial rights. The letter questioned Infantino’s trustworthiness and called for an independent review of the situation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney also raised concerns about Infantino’s leadership following the controversial proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights. The plan, which involved Thrive Capital connected to Joshua Kushner, was eventually abandoned after facing backlash.
UEFA, along with the AFC and CONCACAF, have threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments unless assurances are made that similar schemes will not be pursued in the future. The football governing bodies emphasized the importance of leadership that serves the football community rather than seeking power for its own sake.
Despite the criticism, Infantino has garnered support from certain federations, including CAF, Mexico, and several South American countries. FIFA has defended Infantino against allegations and warned against efforts to undermine his leadership. While some member associations have publicly backed Infantino, others have withdrawn their support or expressed reservations about his presidency.