Trump Warns FIFA Against Removing Gianni Infantino Amid Growing Pressure

Posted : 11 August 2026

US President Donald Trump has publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino, warning that replacing the under-pressure football chief would be a “terrible mistake.” His intervention comes as Infantino faces mounting criticism from several major football confederations over FIFA’s controversial Forward Enterprise proposal.

Trump said Infantino had overseen an exceptionally successful 2026 World Cup and argued that FIFA would struggle to match that success if its president were removed. The tournament was co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Spain eventually lifting the trophy after defeating Argentina in the final.

The comments represent Trump's strongest public defence of Infantino since details of the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan emerged in late July. The proposal has generated significant opposition from within the international football community.

Under the proposed FFE structure, FIFA would create a new subsidiary bringing together its commercial rights and tournament operations. FIFA says the company would remain under its control, while a minority stake could be sold to outside investors to raise up to $4.2 billion for expanded football development funding.

The plan has nevertheless triggered a major backlash. UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation have accused Infantino and FIFA of damaging trust and called for greater transparency and accountability. The growing dispute has placed additional pressure on the FIFA president.

Thrive Eternal was expected to be involved in the proposed investment group. The wider controversy has attracted additional scrutiny because of Infantino's close relationship with Trump and the links between potential investors and Trump's extended family.

FIFA has defended the proposal, insisting that its member associations and FIFA Council would have to approve the structure before it could proceed. The organisation has also maintained that FIFA would retain control over football governance, competitions and sporting decisions.

Infantino has enjoyed a close relationship with Trump in recent years, including presenting him with FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize in December 2025. Trump's latest intervention adds significant political weight to the debate over Infantino's future as pressure from football's governing bodies continues to build.

Trump Warns FIFA Against Removing Gianni Infantino Amid Growing Pressure

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