Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino know each other very well. © APA / ANDREW HARNIK

Trump backs Infantino: "He is fantastic"

Despite his controversial investor plan, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is under heavy criticism, is receiving backing from the White House.

August 11, 2026

From: dpa/apa

US President Donald Trump wrote in a brief statement on his platform Truth Social that the world football governing body would be making a terrible mistake if it were to even consider replacing Infantino for any reason.

Trump raved about the man who had awarded him the FIFA Peace Prize in 2025: "He is fantastic and has just led the most successful World Cup of all time," he wrote. If Infantino were no longer there, "there will never be another World Cup that successful or profitable."

The FIFA boss is facing criticism for his conduct in office so far and controversial future plans – there are several calls for his resignation. Infantino wanted to sell the rights to the world governing body's tournaments to private investors and thereby generate billions in revenue. Technology investor Joshua Kushner, whose brother Jared is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka, was slated to play a key role through his investment firm.

Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump at the World Cup final. © APA / DAN MULLAN

Faced with the massive public outcry, Infantino had to abandon his plan. The open power struggle in football has engulfed all continental confederations. On Monday, the governing bodies of Europe (UEFA), Asia (AFC), and North and Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) jointly addressed the public in an open letter. They reiterated their criticism of Infantino, accused him of deception, and continue to demand a fresh start at the top of the world governing body.

Great friends flatter each other.

Infantino has repeatedly referred to Trump as a "great friend" in the past. Under his leadership, FIFA awarded the 2026 World Cup to the USA, Canada, and Mexico. At the end of 2025, Infantino presented Trump with a newly created FIFA Peace Prize, which irritated critics immediately condemned as a tailor-made favor for the US president.