Former president Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Gianni Infantino, the embattled president of FIFA, warning the organization not to replace him while he still enjoys the backing of the United States and a broad coalition of football stakeholders.
A vote that could reshape FIFA
European, Asian and African football confederations have grown increasingly hostile toward Infantino, accusing him of misleading them over the FIFA Forward Enterprise and demanding sweeping governance reforms.
In an emergency meeting held in Morocco, Infantino attempted to rally support, but the gathering was limited to FIFA’s management committee and senior staff, excluding the elected members who hold the decisive votes.
The three confederations together command 136 votes out of 211 FIFA members, a majority that could trigger a no‑confidence motion and force Infantino out of office.
The White House has publicly praised Infantino’s role in delivering what it calls the most profitable World Cup in history, reinforcing a political dimension to the dispute.
U.S. Soccer, alongside its Canadian and Caribbean partners, has called for “meaningful change” in FIFA’s leadership, positioning itself against Trump’s defense of the Swiss-Italian chief.
Infantino’s potential resignation is being framed as a way to avoid a forced removal, but critics argue that stepping down under pressure would leave a scar on his legacy and tarnish the achievements of the record‑breaking tournament.