US President Donald Trump warned FIFA would be making a “terrible mistake” if it removed Gianni Infantino as head of world football’s governing body. The former UEFA general secretary has faced pressure after proposing to sell 20% of World Cup stakes to private investors. In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump praised Infantino as “fantastic” and noted he had presided over the most successful World Cup “four times”. He warned that removing the president would cost FIFA in success and profit.

UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC issued an open letter calling Infantino’s plan “a profound failure of judgment” and a “fundamental breach of trust”. The letter also criticized the FIFA management committee meeting in Morocco and called for accountability. US Soccer, Canada Soccer, CFU and UNCAF joined the call for meaningful change, while FIFA defended Infantino’s record and urged critics to use democratic processes.

The controversy is set against a backdrop of FIFA’s 211 member associations and a recent FIFA departure payment to a former UEFA employee, which further intensified scrutiny of Infantino’s leadership. FIFA responded by condemning unsubstantiated claims and reaffirming Infantino’s commitment to global football.