Trump warns FIFA against replacing President Gianni Infantino after his subsidiary proposal

Trump warns FIFA against replacing President Gianni Infantino, calling him 'fantastic' and citing the success of the World Cup. The warning follows FIFA's proposal to sell up to 20% stakes in a $20 billion subsidiary, which drew backlash from European and South American confederations. Trump and Infantino have a close relationship, with Trump previously asking Infantino to review a red-card foul.

US President Donald Trump warned FIFA against replacing President Gianni Infantino, saying the organization would make a 'terrible mistake' if it did so. In a Monday post on Truth Social, Trump praised Infantino as 'fantastic' and claimed he presided over the most successful World Cup ever, adding that if Infantino leaves, FIFA will never be as successful or profitable again. The warning comes amid backlash over FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary to run the World Cup and other events, offering up to 20% stakes to external investors. European and South American soccer confederations have criticized the plan. Trump and Infantino have developed a close relationship, working together on the 2026 World Cup, which the US co-hosted. Trump previously asked Infantino to review a red-card foul against US striker Folarin Balogun, which FIFA reversed, drawing criticism from UEFA. In December 2025, Infantino awarded Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize.