U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, emphasizing the success of the recent World Cup under his leadership. Trump praised Infantino’s performance and warned that removing him would be a significant error that could impact the future success and profitability of the organization.

This endorsement from Trump came following a joint open letter issued by UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF, criticizing Infantino for his involvement in a proposed sale of a portion of the World Cup’s commercial rights. The letter raised concerns about Infantino’s actions, calling for an independent review of the situation and emphasizing the importance of leadership that prioritizes the interests of soccer.

Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed doubts about Infantino’s leadership, citing concerns over recent events related to the proposed sale of World Cup rights. Infantino has faced backlash within the football community for his now-abandoned plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, including connections to Joshua Kushner-founded Thrive Capital.

The federations of UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF have threatened to boycott FIFA events until assurances are made against similar proposals in the future. They emphasized the need for leadership that upholds trust and serves the football community rather than pursuing personal interests.

Despite the criticism, Infantino managed to regain support from several confederations within FIFA, including CAF, Mexico, and various South American countries. FIFA defended Infantino against allegations and emphasized the importance of following proper procedures for addressing leadership challenges.

While some member associations have expressed confidence in Infantino, others have raised concerns, with divisions among confederations regarding their support for the FIFA President. The situation remains fluid as FIFA continues to navigate internal dissent and external scrutiny.