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Trump Defends FIFA President Infantino Amid Subsidiary Controversy
🇰🇷 South Korea /Elections & Politics

Trump Defends FIFA President Infantino Amid Subsidiary Controversy

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces criticism over plans to establish a subsidiary for World Cup commercial rights.
  • U.S. President Donald Trump publicly supported Infantino, calling him the most successful World Cup leader.
  • The controversy involves a potential $4.2 billion sale of a 20% stake in the subsidiary to private investors, including one linked to Jared Kushner.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under fire for his proposal to create a subsidiary, 'FIFA Forward Enterprises' (FFE), to manage commercial rights for events like the World Cup. The plan includes selling a 20% stake for up to $4.2 billion to private investors.

This move has drawn significant criticism, particularly as the investment group involved is reportedly led by Thrive Capital, co-founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of former U.S. presidential advisor Jared Kushner. The potential sale of commercial rights has raised concerns about the privatization of the organization's assets.

If FIFA considers replacing President Infantino for any reason, it would be a terrible mistake.

— Donald TrumpU.S. President Donald Trump's statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, defending FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced strong support for Infantino. Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that replacing Infantino would be a "terrible mistake." He praised Infantino's leadership, asserting that he has overseen the "most successful World Cup ever" and that future tournaments would not be as profitable without him. Trump's endorsement appears to be a direct defense against the mounting pressure on the FIFA president.

He has led the most successful World Cup ever. If he leaves, it will never be as successful or profitable again.

— Donald TrumpU.S. President Donald Trump's statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, praising Infantino's leadership.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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