Trump backs FIFA chief Infantino amid misconduct allegations

United States President Donald Trump has publicly defended FIFA President Gianni Infantino, urging football's governing body not to consider replacing him. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Mr. Trump described the Italian-Swiss lawyer as "fantastic" and said he had presided over "the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented."

Mr. Trump's remarks come as Mr. Infantino faces scrutiny over allegations of a workplace affair and criticism of a failed private investment scheme. The FIFA president, who is expected to stand for re-election in March, has denied all wrongdoing.

"FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino," Mr. Trump wrote. "If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!"

The U.S. President's support for Mr. Infantino contrasts with the stance of U.S. Soccer, which issued a statement critiquing the FIFA leader. That statement was echoed by Canada Soccer and several football organisations from Central America and the Caribbean, who have called for greater accountability and transparency within FIFA.

In response to the backlash, FIFA released its own statement, dismissing the criticism as "a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine" the organisation. The governing body has expressed full confidence in Mr. Infantino and his leadership.

Meanwhile, several other regional football bodies have aligned with Mr. Trump's position. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and South America's CONMEBOL have both voiced their support for Mr. Infantino, signalling that the controversy has not diminished his standing across large parts of the football world.

The allegations against Mr. Infantino first emerged in recent weeks, prompting a wave of media attention and internal debate within FIFA. While the specifics of the workplace affair and investment scheme remain under investigation, no formal charges have been brought against the FIFA president.

Mr. Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, has repeatedly denied any misconduct. He has described the allegations as part of a coordinated attempt to destabilise his leadership ahead of the next FIFA Congress, where the presidential election is due to take place.

Political support from figures like Mr. Trump may strengthen Mr. Infantino's position, but the final decision will rest with FIFA's member associations. The coming months are likely to see continued debate over the future direction of world football's governing body, as both supporters and critics of Mr. Infantino make their case.

For now, Mr. Infantino appears to retain substantial backing across several continents, though the controversy has added uncertainty to an already complex leadership race. As the election approaches, all eyes will be on FIFA's member associations to see whether Mr. Infantino can secure another term or whether the allegations will prove to be a turning point in his tenure.