Donald Trump brushed aside the Air Force One scandal to mount a spirited defense of his associate Gianni Infantino, with the FIFA President facing mounting scrutiny following the 2026 World Cup.
The World Cup, staged throughout North America, wrapped up last month, with Spain claiming the fractious Final 1-0 in extra time against the then-reigning champions, Argentina. Various controversies had already tarnished the worldwide showcase, from Trump's involvement in U.S. Men's National Team star Folarin Balogun's ban being suspended, Iran being compelled to relocate to Tijuana amid the continuing hostilities with the U.S. and Israel, to disturbing incidents among players after the Final.
The difficulties persisted even after the tournament ended. Infantino aimed to offload approximately a 20%-30% minority interest in a newly formed commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to private equity backers for $4.2 billion. This offshoot operation would have controlled the commercial rights to premier tournaments like the World Cup, as per The Mirror US.
Among the prospective backers was Joshua Kushner, the sibling of Trump's son-in-law Jared. Nevertheless, widespread opposition, including from within international soccer's governing organization and other governing bodies such as UEFA, swiftly ended Infantino's proposals.
Infantino is currently battling to retain his position as FIFA President, a struggle that, at this juncture, seems unlikely to prevail.
Infantino is currently clinging to his position with the support of the FIFA Management Board and several international confederations, while also facing scrutiny over allegations that UEFA paid off an alleged former mistress.
Reports emerged that Infantino had been seeking the backing of President Trump amid mounting pressure to step down — and he has since secured that endorsement, even as controversy swirls around Trump's own travel arrangements aboard Air Force One.
Trump reportedly concealed himself inside an airport catering cart and was transported to a military aircraft for a covert departure from Turkey, following reports of a potential assassination threat from Iran, according to a senior U.S. official.
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While Trump has yet to elaborate on the Air Force One security precaution, he wasted no time delivering a passionate defense of his ally.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump made clear that removing Infantino would be a grave miscalculation. "FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino. He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented," he wrote.
Trump also highlighted that the tournament generated a record $15 billion in revenue. "If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again! Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump added.
Should Infantino ultimately be forced out, his unemployment may be short-lived — if Trump has anything to say about it. It has also been reported that Trump previously floated Infantino's name as his top choice for U.N. Secretary-General.
Source: Alloutsoccer.com
