Trump Defends Infantino: His Departure Would Hurt World Cup Success and Profitability

U.S. President Donald Trump has defended Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, amid demands from several continental federations for his departure due to his controversial project to open the organization to private sector investors, which was later abandoned.

Trump has reaffirmed his support for the FIFA President, who was awarded the 'FIFA Peace Prize' in December 2025, specifically created for him. He had previously asked him during the 2026 World Cup to review the red card received by US player Balogun.

In statements published by Trump on his platform "Truth Social", he said: "FIFA will make a grave mistake if it even thinks, for a moment, about replacing its president Gianni Infantino."

The US President stated: "He is a great man, and he just led the most successful World Cup ever," referring to the tournament held in June and July in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Trump continued his remarks saying: "If Infantino leaves, the World Cup will never know such success or profitability again."

Gianni Infantino is facing a crisis following the revelation of his project to open FIFA to private investors, which he later abandoned. On Monday, football associations from Europe, North America, and Asia issued a joint statement demanding his resignation, emphasizing that football does not belong to any individual and that leadership is a duty to serve the football family.