Trump backs Infantino as FIFA privatization plan sparks crisis

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid a global backlash over Infantino’s leadership and the aborted FIFA Forward Enterprise plan, while praising the World Cup’s four-time record success. Critics led by UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC say trust has been broken and are calling for governance reforms and leadership change, with CAF showing support for Infantino. The controversy centers on privatizing portions of FIFA’s commercial rights and the World Cup’s sale to private investors, which sparked widespread opposition and fears of “selling” the sport. Trump’s intervention has drawn attention for de-emphasizing US Soccer’s stance and highlighting a personal alliance with Infantino, complicating governance debates ahead of Infantino’s re-election prospects. As FIFA faces internal divisions, the saga includes talk of potential breakaway competition and competing pressures from member associations and confederations. The situation remains dynamic as the leadership crisis unfolds.