Trump defends Infantino as UEFA-led schism with FIFA deepens
Infantino has faced blistering criticism after his failed plan to spin off FIFA's commercial operations in a deal involving JPMorgan Chase & Co.
U.S. President Donald Trump has come to the defense of FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a split with the sport's governing body looms. In a Truth Social post, Trump warned that replacing Infantino would be a "terrible mistake" and praised him for overseeing "the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented." Infantino's leadership has come under fire from numerous FIFA member nations and prominent football figures following his controversial plan to separate FIFA's commercial operations, reportedly involving JPMorgan Chase & Co. Despite disruptions caused by the Trump administration's visa restrictions, Infantino has downplayed concerns over their relationship.
UEFA, the federation representing Europe's premier football leagues, is spearheading the effort to remove Infantino from office. The European governing body is considering a boycott of FIFA tournaments if Infantino remains in power. The next presidential election is scheduled for March, and Infantino intends to seek a third term.
UEFA has also begun discussions about staging alternative international competitions to FIFA, possibly involving the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf. This move could significantly impact FIFA's financial success, as the 2026 World Cup generated over $9 billion in revenue, a record at the time. Trump warned that without Infantino, the World Cup would "never be as successful or profitable again!"
The first tournament likely to be affected by any boycott would be the 2027 women's World Cup in Brazil, along with youth tournaments beginning in the near future.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
