Donald Trump defends Gianni Infantino amid FIFA controversies
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 11, 2026, 2:09 PM
Last updated Aug 11, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke out in defense of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, labeling any potential replacement as a 'terrible mistake.' Trump emphasized Infantino's success with the 2026 World Cup, following mounting criticism of the FIFA leader over his plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors. After backlash from multiple football associations, FIFA announced those plans would be scrapped. Despite Trump’s support, UEFA, Concacaf, and AFC issued a joint statement calling for leadership change within FIFA. Infantino is facing opposition as he prepares for re-election in March 2027, with some federations openly stating they will not support him.
- •Trump calls Infantino 'fantastic' amid calls for his resignation.
- •Infantino praised for the success of the 2026 World Cup.
- •FIFA reverses plans to sell World Cup stakes to investors.
- •UEFA and other confederations demand leadership change at FIFA.
- •Infantino prepares for re-election in March 2027.
- 2:28 PMYahoo Sports — Trump defends Infantino, lauds FIFA president for World Cup success
- 2:09 PMYahoo Sports — President Donald Trump defends FIFA head Gianni Infantino amid calls he should resign: 'He is fantastic'
"President Donald Trump took aim at critics of Gianni Infantino, saying it would be a "terrible mistake" to replace the embattled FIFA president.
"Gianni Infantino developed a friendly relationship with Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 2:28 PMTrump defends Infantino, lauds FIFA president for World Cup success
President Donald Trump took aim at critics of Gianni Infantino, saying it would be a "terrible mistake" to replace the embattled FIFA president.
- Yahoo SportsAug 11, 2026, 2:09 PMPresident Donald Trump defends FIFA head Gianni Infantino amid calls he should resign: 'He is fantastic'
Gianni Infantino developed a friendly relationship with Donald Trump ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
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