US President Donald Trump has publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino as pressure continues to grow on the football governing body’s leader.
Infantino has faced strong criticism and calls to resign following the controversy surrounding the now-cancelled FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
Trump showed his support for Infantino in a post on Truth Social on Monday night.
“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” Trump said.
“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 controversy began after FIFA proposed selling part of the commercial and operational rights to the World Cup and other competitions to private investors.
The plan was later scrapped, but the fallout has continued to create divisions within world football. Several football organisations have questioned Infantino’s leadership and called for an independent review.
The pressure increased after UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) called for changes in FIFA leadership and an independent investigation into the issue.
Trump’s backing comes as his relationship with Infantino has attracted attention ahead of this year’s World Cup.
The two have appeared together on several occasions, including at the White House, where Infantino presented Trump with the World Cup trophy. Trump was also awarded FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize, a decision that attracted criticism.
The proposed FFE deal also faced questions over the involvement of private investors, including Thrive Capital, which is led by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
It remains unclear whether Trump’s public support will help Infantino overcome the growing opposition.
For now, the FIFA president continues to face pressure as the controversy surrounding his leadership refuses to go away.
