Former US President Donald Trump has publicly stated that removing FIFA President Gianni Infantino would be a "terrible mistake." This strong endorsement follows accusations from major football confederations regarding Infantino's aborted FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
The FFE plan, which came to light on July 28, aimed to establish a new company to manage the commercial and ticketing rights for all FIFA competitions, including the lucrative World Cups. Under this proposal, 21% of this new entity would have been sold to a private investment company. UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) issued an open letter accusing Infantino of breaking trust "through deception" with this initiative.
This controversy fits into a broader narrative of power struggles and commercialization within global football. The potential sale of significant commercial rights to a private entity raises questions about transparency, governance, and the distribution of profits within the sport. Such moves often face scrutiny from national federations and continental bodies concerned about maintaining control and ensuring equitable benefits for all stakeholders.
Donald Trump's support for Infantino marks his first public defense since the FFE plans became known. Trump wrote on social media, "Fifa would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing president Gianni Infantino." He praised Infantino for presiding over "the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented." The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, concluded recently with Spain as champions.
The implications of this ongoing dispute are significant for the future of FIFA and its commercial operations. The continued backing from a high-profile figure like Trump could strengthen Infantino's position, despite the opposition from powerful football confederations. Conversely, the accusations of deception could lead to further challenges to his leadership, potentially impacting FIFA's ability to implement large-scale commercial projects. Decision-makers within FIFA and its member associations will closely watch how this power struggle unfolds, as it could reshape the financial landscape of international football.
Infantino has a close relationship with Trump, having awarded him the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025. This connection adds another layer to Trump's vocal support. The proposed investor group for FFE was expected to be led by Thrive Eternal, an American venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. This familial link suggests a potential vested interest in the FFE proposal's success, further complicating the narrative surrounding Trump's intervention.
The financial implications of the FFE proposal, had it gone through, would have been substantial. Selling 21% of a company managing all FIFA competition rights, including the World Cup, represents a multi-billion-dollar valuation. The debate over who controls these lucrative rights and how the revenue is distributed is central to the economic health of football globally. The current situation underscores the high stakes involved in FIFA's commercial decisions and the political maneuvering that often accompanies them.
The ongoing tension between Infantino and the opposing confederations highlights a critical juncture for FIFA's governance. The outcome of this dispute will likely influence future commercial partnerships and the balance of power within international football. Stakeholders will be monitoring whether Infantino can navigate these challenges and maintain his leadership amidst significant internal and external pressure.