US President Donald Trump is prepared to do “whatever it takes” to help FIFA President Gianni Infantino remain in office, according to a senior administration official familiar with their relationship.
Infantino has come under intense pressure after a controversial proposal to sell stakes in a new FIFA commercial entity triggered widespread opposition. Several football associations reportedly threatened to boycott the World Cup if the plan moved forward. FIFA ultimately abandoned the proposal in the face of mounting criticism.
Despite the backlash, a senior official close to both Trump and Infantino said the US president remains firmly supportive of the FIFA chief, crediting him with helping deliver what Trump has described as “the best World Cup” for the United States.
“President Trump likes Gianni very much because he helped make the World Cup in the United States a success,” the official said. “He will do everything possible to support him in his fight to remain FIFA president.”
Close ties under scrutiny
The relationship between Trump and Infantino has drawn criticism before.
During this year’s World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Trump claimed he personally called the FIFA president after a red card was shown to a US star forward. The player’s one-match suspension was later lifted, prompting concerns over possible political interference in football.
Speaking to The Telegraph, the senior official said: “Gianni helped us deliver the best World Cup. The president appreciates that. I don’t think he’ll change his position because he’s a very loyal person. Gianni genuinely helped make our World Cup a success, and we value that.”
Critics question the relationship
Not everyone shares that view.
David Davies, who held several senior roles at the Football Association (FA) between 1994 and 2006, argued that the relationship between Trump and Infantino had gone too far.
“My view is that this has crossed the line,” Davies said. “What is happening has become too much.”
He also described Infantino as “a political-style FIFA president” who has been “under Donald Trump’s influence for a long time.”
Growing opposition in Europe
While Infantino may have the backing of Trump, support in Europe appears to be weakening.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has reiterated that Infantino is “not the right person to lead football” and has again called on him to resign.
Reports also suggest that England’s Football Association is preparing to follow the Welsh FA in withdrawing its support for Infantino’s re-election through a formal letter.
However, no candidate has yet officially declared a challenge for the FIFA presidency.
