Trump warns FIFA against replacing President Gianni Infantino after his subsidiary proposal

US President Donald Trump warned FIFA against replacing President Gianni Infantino following the organization's plan to sell stakes in a subsidiary that will manage the World Cup and other events. Trump praised Infantino, stating that the World Cup under his leadership has been the most successful and profitable ever. Infantino has faced criticism after FIFA proposed the subsidiary, which would offer external investors up to 20% stakes, causing backlash from FIFA's European and South American confederations.

Despite this, Infantino has formed a close relationship with Trump due to their collaboration in organizing this year's World Cup, with the US being one of the host nations. Trump believes Infantino possesses a unique ability to unite people, and he has urged the FIFA president to reconsider Guterres' retirement as UN Secretary-General, reporting that Trump wants Infantino to take over the role.

Moreover, Trump requested Infantino to reevaluate a controversial red-card decision against USA striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, which FIFA later overturned, leading to UEFA accusing FIFA of an "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision." In December, Infantino also honored Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize.