In a rare public intervention in football politics, US President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind FIFA president Gianni Infantino as the embattled leader faces allegations of a workplace affair and mounting criticism over a failed private investment scheme.
“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” Mr Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
Mr Trump praised the Italian-Swiss lawyer as “fantastic” and credited him with having “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!”
The US president’s endorsement stands in sharp contrast to the stance taken by US Soccer, which issued a statement criticising Mr Infantino in tandem with Canada Soccer and football organisations across Central America and the Caribbean.
Mr Infantino, who is due to face re-election next March, has denied any wrongdoing. FIFA has also rallied around its president, arguing that the criticism amounts to “a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” the organisation.
Support for Mr Infantino has also come from other parts of the football world, with the Confederation of African Football and South American governing body CONMEBOL aligning with Mr Trump’s position in backing the FIFA president.
