Trump defends FIFA's Infantino as UEFA, Concacaf and AFC demand resignation

Trump's Truth Social defense

US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on 10 August 2026, warning FIFA against replacing its president Gianni Infantino. Trump called the Italian-Swiss lawyer "fantastic" and said he had "presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented." He warned that without Infantino, the World Cup would "never be as successful or profitable again." The post came as Infantino, 56, faces mounting pressure from three continental confederations demanding his resignation over a failed private investment scheme and allegations of a workplace affair, which he has denied. Infantino faces re-election in March 2027.

The failed investment plan

Infantino's crisis stems from a proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a company to manage the commercial and operational aspects of FIFA's tournaments, with plans to sell approximately 20% to private investors. The plan was met with fierce opposition and ultimately abandoned. Infantino apologised for the scheme.

After listening carefully to all opinions, it became clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective initially set.

The controversy has nonetheless damaged his standing, with several national federations withdrawing their support for his re-election.

Confederations turn against Infantino

UEFA, Concacaf (North and Central America and the Caribbean), and the AFC (Asia) sent an open letter accusing Infantino of "deception" and a "deep breach of trust." The three confederations reportedly want to give Infantino the chance to resign with dignity rather than seek re-election in March. They have also urged FIFA to hold an independent review into Infantino's scheme.

Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding - or demanding - power to be held. It is a duty of service to the football family that entrusts it. When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned.

UEFA has previously threatened a boycott of FIFA competitions, and the three confederations have held initial talks about organising competitions themselves.

FIFA and allies rally

FIFA issued a statement over the weekend of 8 and 9 August defending Infantino, calling the backlash "a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine" the organisation. FIFA warned that it would "directly and forcefully challenge" reporting it deemed inaccurate or misleading, and noted that Infantino was democratically elected and retains the mandate of member associations. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and South American governing body CONMEBOL have sided with Infantino, sharing Trump's position.

US Soccer breaks with Trump

Trump's backing of Infantino contrasts with the position of US Soccer, which issued a statement critiquing Infantino alongside Canada Soccer and football organisations in Central America and the Caribbean. According to Swiss newspaper Blick, Infantino had reportedly asked Trump for help in recent days, and Trump initially rebuffed the request before reversing course. The relationship between Trump and Infantino has been close since the Republican's return to power. In December 2025, Infantino presented Trump with a specially created "FIFA Peace Prize."