Despite mounting pressure and a failed $4.2 billion investment plan, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has found a powerful ally in the White House.

In a surprising show of support, US President Donald Trump has come out swinging for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is currently facing serious heat.

Taking to Truth Social on Monday, Trump warned that it would be a “terrible mistake” for FIFA to even consider replacing Infantino.

The FIFA boss has been under fire over allegations of a workplace affair and, more significantly, criticism over a failed plan to open the World Cup to private investors. Trump, however, described the Italian-Swiss lawyer as “fantastic” and claimed he “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!” Trump added.

Trump’s stance puts him at odds with US Soccer, which, alongside Canada Soccer and football bodies in Central America and the Caribbean, has issued statements critiquing Infantino.

For his part, Infantino has denied any wrongdoing. FIFA has also rallied behind him, dismissing the backlash as “a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” the organisation. He also has the backing of the Confederation of African Football and South America’s CONMEBOL.

So what exactly caused the uproar? FIFA had floated a controversial proposal to create a new commercial subsidiary called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to run events like the World Cup and Club World Cup. The governing body said the plan could raise $4.2 billion based on a $20 billion valuation.

The proposal was meant to be a cash boost, with FIFA saying each of its 211 member associations could get a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027, and see their funding for the 2027-2030 cycle jump from $8 million to $20 million.

Instead, it triggered a furious backlash. European governing body UEFA even threatened to boycott the World Cup, the sport’s crown jewel.

Two weeks ago, Infantino finally backed down and withdrew the plan, saying: “Our purpose has always been, and will always be, to unite and improve.”

Last Wednesday, after a crisis meeting in Morocco, FIFA’s senior directors gave Infantino their “full support” but admitted that “errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to the media.”

Infantino, who is up for re-election next March, is still facing calls to step down despite the apology.

Credit: cbinews.tv

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