Donald Trump breaks Infantino silence with clear message for FIFA members

Gianni Infantino has come under pressure following his controversial proposal to sell off stakes in the men's World Cup to private investors, but Donald Trump has come to his defence

Rob Freeman and David Charlesworth, Press Association

11:02, 11 Aug 2026

[EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump attend the award ceremony following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)]

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(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump has cautioned FIFA would be committing a "terrible mistake" if they remove Gianni Infantino from his position as head of world football's governing body.

Infantino has faced mounting criticism following his failed attempt to sell off stakes in the men's World Cup to private investors.

However, in a post on his Truth Social platform early on Tuesday, Trump argued that ousting the FIFA president would prove a damaging decision.

The US president wrote: "FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino.

"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!".

UEFA alongside two other confederations have begun preliminary discussions about staging competitions independently amidst the furore surrounding the under-fire FIFA president, the Press Association understands.

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(Image: Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)

Europe's governing body, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF, which governs football in the Caribbean, North and Central America, have accused Infantino of "deception" and while it is understood they wish to offer him the opportunity to step down and depart his role with dignity without standing for re-election in March next year, they want to protect themselves from the developing crisis.

UEFA has previously warned of a potential boycott of FIFA competitions. Infantino issued an apology over his proposal to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a company designed to oversee the commercial and operational elements of FIFA's tournaments, with plans to sell approximately 20 per cent to private investors.

However, an open letter co-signed by the heads of UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF has called on FIFA to conduct an independent inquiry into Infantino's plans, without directly naming the Swiss official.

"Leadership in football is not a possession," the letter stated. "It is not about holding or demanding power to be held. It is a duty of service to the football family that entrusts it.

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"When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned."

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