Trump warns FIFA of mistake in replacing Infantino

US President Donald Trump defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Monday, warning that the football governing body would be making a “terrible mistake” if it chose to replace him. Trump made the remarks during a press conference in Washington, D.C., in which he praised Infantino’s leadership and urged FIFA to maintain continuity at the top of the sport’s administration.

The former president cited Infantino’s record of expanding the World Cup, improving commercial revenue, and navigating the organization through the COVID‑19 pandemic as evidence of his competence. He also noted that a change in leadership could destabilize the global football community and undermine ongoing reforms. FIFA, which has been preparing for its next presidential election, has faced criticism over governance and corruption allegations, but Infantino has retained broad support among many member associations.

Trump’s comments come amid growing scrutiny of FIFA’s internal politics and a broader debate about the best path forward for international football. While the organization has not yet announced any plans to replace Infantino, the former U.S. president’s statement highlights the high stakes of the upcoming election and the importance placed on experienced leadership within the sport’s governing body.