Trump Backs FIFA President Amid Resignation Pressure

Gianni Infantino lost the confidence of global soccer organizations when he suggested third-party investments in World Cup commercialization.

Gianni Infantino file photo

Infantino had developed a close relationship with Trump leading up to this year’s World Cup, which was jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Bradley Collyer/AP

President Donald Trump has stepped in to defend FIFA President Gianni Infantino, throwing his weight behind a staunch ally as calls for the international soccer boss’ resignation have reached a fever pitch.

Trump had earlier distanced himself from the FIFA president’s proposal to sell off private stakes in the World Cup, which resulted in an escalating conflict from which Infantino was forced to backtrack.

“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” Trump wrote Monday on Truth Social. “If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!”