U.S. President Donald Trump voiced strong support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, emphasizing the importance of retaining him at the helm of the global soccer organization. Trump praised Infantino’s leadership, particularly highlighting the success of the recent World Cup under his guidance. Trump warned against the consequences of removing Infantino, stating that future success and profitability could be at risk without him.
This endorsement from Trump follows a joint open letter from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF criticizing Infantino’s handling of a proposed sale of World Cup commercial rights. The letter expressed concerns about Infantino’s actions, calling for an independent review of the situation. The federations emphasized the need for leadership that prioritizes the unity and well-being of football.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed doubts about Infantino’s leadership in light of recent events. Infantino faced backlash within the football community after his proposal to sell off a portion of World Cup commercial rights, a plan that was ultimately abandoned. The involvement of Thrive Capital, linked to Joshua Kushner and indirectly to Trump, added further scrutiny to the situation.
UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF have threatened to boycott FIFA events until assurances are made that similar proposals will not resurface. They emphasized the importance of leadership serving the football community rather than seeking power. Calls for accountability and transparency have grown, with demands for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the failed proposal.
Despite the criticism and calls for resignation, Infantino managed to garner support from some confederations, including CAF, Mexico, and several South American countries. FIFA defended Infantino against allegations and attempts to undermine his leadership, emphasizing adherence to the organization’s statutes and democratic processes. While some federations have withdrawn their support, divisions remain within the confederations regarding confidence in Infantino’s leadership.