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NewsABC Action News (WFTS) — NewsAugust 11, 2026Hillsborough

President Trump supports FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid leadership controversy

President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, warning against his removal following backlash over a failed $20 billion investment proposal. The controversy centers on the scrapped 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' plan, which sought to sell competition rights to private investors, including Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital.

FIFASports GovernanceInternational RelationsCorporate Finance
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Why It Matters

The future leadership of FIFA remains uncertain as major regional soccer s demand resignation while others, including the Mexican Football Federation and CONMEBOL, maintain support for the current president.

Key Facts

  • President Trump publicly stated that replacing FIFA President Gianni Infantino would be a 'terrible mistake'.
  • The controversy stems from the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' (FFE) proposal, which was scrapped after criticism.
  • The FFE proposal involved a $20 billion subsidiary to manage competitions and sell rights to private investors.
  • Joshua Kushner's investment firm, Thrive Capital, was a backer of the FFE proposal.
  • UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC have formally demanded a change in FIFA leadership.
  • The Mexican Football Federation and CONMEBOL have publicly expressed support for Infantino.
  • Gianni Infantino has served as FIFA president since February 26, 2016.
  • FIFA issued a statement on Saturday defending Infantino against efforts to undermine his leadership.
  • FIFA acknowledged that mistakes were made regarding the FFE proposal earlier in August.

Who's Mentioned

personDonald Trump“President who issued a statement of support for Infantino on Truth Social.”organizationMexican Football Federation“Organization publicly backing Infantino.”organizationCONMEBOL“South American soccer confederation opposing an accelerated ouster of Infantino.”organizationFIFA“International governing body for soccer.”organizationCONCACAF“North and Central American soccer governing body demanding leadership change.”other211“Number of FIFA member associations.”organizationUEFA“European soccer governing body demanding leadership change.”personGianni Infantino“FIFA President facing calls for resignation.”personJoshua Kushner“Investor whose firm, Thrive Capital, backed the scrapped FIFA proposal.”organizationAFC“Asian Football Confederation demanding leadership change.”