Audio By Carbonatix
US President Donald Trump says it would be a "terrible mistake" if under-pressure Fifa president Gianni Infantino was ousted from his position.
Trump's backing followed Uefa, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issuing an open letter accusing Infantino of breaking trust "through deception" with his aborted Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
FFE would have meant a new company being created to manage commercial and ticketing rights of all Fifa competitions, including World Cups, with 21% sold off to a private investment company.
Trump's comments mark the first time he has come out in defence of Infantino since the FFE plans came to light on 28 July.
"Fifa would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing president Gianni Infantino," Trump wrote on social media.
"He is fantastic, having just 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 2026 World Cup was co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico this summer, with Spain crowned champions after beating Argentina in the final.
When addressing the FFE proposals for the first time on 31 July, Trump said he had not spoken to Infantino about the plans.
Thrive Eternal was expected to lead the proposed investor group for FFE.
Thrive is an American venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner - the brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared.
Infantino has a close relationship with Trump and awarded him the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize in December 2025.
Latest Stories
-
UAE donates US$1m relief items to support Ghana’s June 29 flood victims
10 minutes -
Government support needed to boost recycling investments –Â AGI
16 minutes -
Post trained teachers to private schools to reduce unemployment – GNAT to government
21 minutes -
Republic Bank, Multimedia Group renew Habitat Fair partnership for three years
23 minutes -
The GSA Vehicle Directive: Let us focus on the real issue
29 minutes -
Photos: JoyNews, IMANI Africa drive national conversation on Ghana’s plastic waste management
34 minutes -
Republic Bank Ghana, JoyNews launch 2026 Habitat Fair
36 minutes -
Republic Bank becomes title sponsor of JoyNews Habitat Fair
44 minutes -
Prof Bokpin warns against political recruitment into civil service
49 minutes -
African unity is key to overcoming slavery’s enduring legacy – Dean Roberts Jnr
51 minutes -
Extended Producer Responsibility law to recognise and integrate informal waste collectors — EPA
53 minutes -
NADMO says UAE $1m donation can support more than 91,000 flood victims
57 minutes -
Private medical practitioners seek tax waivers on cancer treatment equipment
1 hour -
Ghana spends 0.084% of expenditure on creative industry – JoyNews Research
1 hour -
Hearts of Oak pull out of GHALCA Top-4 as Samartex take their place
1 hour