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Trump backs embattled FIFA president Infantino on Truth Social
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ญ Switzerland /Sports

Trump backs embattled FIFA president Infantino on Truth Social

From Neue Zรผrcher Zeitung · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed FIFA President Gianni Infantino on his Truth Social platform.
  • Trump praised Infantino's leadership, citing the success and increased revenue of the recent World Cup.
  • The endorsement comes amid calls for Infantino's accountability from European, Asian, and North/Central American football confederations regarding a failed $20 billion deal with private investors.

Donald Trump has thrown his support behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling him "fantastic" on his Truth Social platform. Trump lauded Infantino for leading "the most successful World Cup ever" and warned that replacing him would be a "terrible mistake."

He is fantastic

โ€” Donald TrumpOn his Truth Social platform, endorsing FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Trump claimed the recent tournament generated four times the revenue of the previous one, boosting earnings from approximately $7 billion in 2022 to nearly $15 billion for the 2026 event with 48 participating nations. He asserted that without Infantino, another World Cup would never be as successful or profitable.

This public backing follows a joint statement from the UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF confederations demanding Infantino account for a failed $20 billion deal to sell World Cup rights to private investors. Trump's circle, specifically tech investor Joshua Kushner, was reportedly set to play a key role in the deal. Trump, however, denied discussing the investment with Infantino.

it would be a terrible mistake if FIFA were to even consider replacing President Gianni Infantino for any reason.

โ€” Donald TrumpWarning against replacing Infantino on his Truth Social platform.

A FIFA spokesperson denied that Infantino had sought Trump's support, despite facing pressure from opponents in Europe, Asia, and North America who have called for his resignation over his leadership. Commentators and officials, including Norwegian FA president Lise Klaveness, have publicly demanded Infantino step down.

there would never be another World Cup that would be as successful or profitable.

โ€” Donald TrumpClaiming the success of the World Cup under Infantino's leadership.

The situation marks another chapter in the ongoing power struggle within world football, with Infantino facing significant challenges to his leadership.

In light of the ongoing judicial process, Dermalog believes that public statements concerning sanctions or blacklisting should be viewed in the context of matters that have not yet been finally determined by the courts.

โ€” Dermalog Identification Systems GmbHAddressing allegations and calls for blacklisting amid legal disputes with the LTO.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Neue Zรผrcher Zeitung in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.