Trump Warns FIFA Against Firing Gianni Infantino

Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned FIFA that replacing President Gianni Infantino would be a "fatal mistake," according to reports from Sky News Arabia and Alghad TV. Trump’s statement comes as Infantino faces intensifying pressure from major continental football federations over commercial strategies and governance.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated that FIFA would commit a "fatal mistake" if it considered replacing Infantino for any reason. He credited Infantino with overseeing the most successful World Cup ever, claiming the event was four times more successful. Trump asserted that without Infantino, the tournament would not be as profitable or successful again.

Opposition from UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF

The support from Trump contrasts with a growing rebellion among global football governing bodies. According to Sky News Arabia, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have accused Infantino of "deception."

These three organizations signed an open letter calling for an independent review of Infantino’s strategic plans. While the letter did not name the FIFA president explicitly, Sky News Arabia reports that the federations are seeking a way for Infantino to resign with dignity rather than facing a re-election in March.

PA Media reports that UEFA and two other continental federations have already held preliminary discussions about organizing competitions independently. This move follows previous threats by UEFA to boycott FIFA-led competitions.

Controversy over FIFA Forward Enterprise

The current crisis centers on Infantino’s proposal to create "FIFA Forward Enterprise." According to Sky News Arabia, this entity was designed to manage the commercial and operational aspects of FIFA competitions. A key component of the plan involved selling approximately 20% of the company’s shares to private sector investors.

The plan to sell stakes in the Men’s World Cup to private investors failed, leading to increased pressure on the FIFA president. Infantino has since apologized for the proposal, though the fallout continues to fuel demands for his departure from the leadership of the international governing body.

“FIFA will commit a fatal mistake if it thinks, for any reason, even about replacing President Gianni Infantino. He is great, having just overseen the most successful World Cup ever, by a factor of 4. If he leaves, the tournament will not be as successful or profitable again!”

Donald Trump via Truth Social

The resolution of this tension is expected to culminate during the election cycle scheduled for March.