US President Backs FIFA Chief as Pressure Mounts Over World Cup Controversy
US President Donald Trump has publicly defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino, warning that removing him from football's top job would be a “terrible mistake.”
Trump's comments come as Infantino faces growing pressure following FIFA's controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the World Cup to private investors. UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF have criticised the plan and called for greater transparency and accountability.
Trump said FIFA would risk damaging the sport's future if it replaced Infantino, praising the FIFA president's leadership and suggesting the World Cup could suffer under different leadership.
The intervention adds a new political dimension to an increasingly heated dispute over FIFA's leadership and the commercial future of the World Cup.
For Infantino, Trump's backing comes at a crucial moment as football authorities around the world debate whether he should remain in charge.