Donald Trump says replacing Gianni Infantino would be a ‘terrible mistake’

What the report says

US President Donald Trump has publicly defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino, saying it would be a “terrible mistake” to replace him. Al Jazeera reported that Trump’s remarks on Monday were his first direct comments in Infantino’s defence since leaked plans on July 28 raised concerns over FIFA’s attempt to attract private investment into World Cup-related competitions.

The dispute has intensified as three major football confederations — UEFA in Europe, CONCACAF in North and Central America, and the AFC in Asia — accused Infantino of breaking trust and acting without proper accountability. Their joint letter argued that leadership in football should not be treated as personal power, and pressed for a stronger response after the private-investment proposal was withdrawn under criticism.

Trump’s support stands in contrast to US Soccer, which has aligned with critics of the FIFA president. Al Jazeera noted that Infantino had earlier received backing from some other football bodies, including CAF, while CONMEBOL has also been described as broadly supportive. The article also said Infantino is expected to seek a fourth and final term at the FIFA Congress in March 2027, with candidates due to declare by November 18.

The broader significance is that the row comes after a period in which Infantino had been credited with presiding over a commercially successful World Cup cycle, but his leadership is now facing renewed scrutiny over governance, transparency and the future direction of FIFA.