It would be ‘terrible mistake’ to oust Infantino as FIFA president — Trump

US President Donald Trump has urged FIFA not to remove Gianni Infantino as its president, warning that replacing the embattled football administrator would be “a terrible mistake”.

Infantino has faced renewed criticism following a failed proposal to attract private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

The FIFA president was also criticised in an open letter signed by three major football confederations — UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC — which accused him of breaking trust “through deception”.

Despite the growing opposition, Trump threw his support behind Infantino in a post on Truth Social on Monday.

“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” Trump wrote.

The US president described Infantino as “fantastic”, claiming that he “presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented”.

“If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!” Trump added.

Trump attended last month’s World Cup final alongside Infantino. The FIFA president had previously presented Trump with a “FIFA Peace Prize” during last year’s World Cup draw ceremony.

However, Trump’s position differs from that of US Soccer, which has joined other football bodies in expressing concerns about Infantino’s leadership.

Infantino had introduced a proposal aimed at bringing private investment into FIFA competitions before withdrawing the plan following widespread criticism.

FIFA subsequently criticised efforts “to undermine” the organisation and its president.

However, UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC maintained their criticism in a joint letter issued on Monday.

“Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding — or demanding — power to be held.

“When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned.”