In a surprising turn of events, U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly expressed his support for
FIFA had initially announced a proposal to offer shares of the World Cup to investors through a subsidiary, which was valued at an astonishing USD 20 billion. The plan, which was leaked to the media and presented without prior consultation with member associations, faced immediate and widespread condemnation. Many in the football community, including confederation leaders, argued that the integrity of the sport's most prestigious events should not be compromised for financial gain.
Despite the withdrawal of the proposal, Infantino continues to face calls for his resignation from various continental football bodies. However, Trump’s recent comments suggest a strong belief in Infantino's leadership, particularly following what Trump described as the "most successful World Cup ever." In his post, Trump stated, "If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again!" This statement underscores the close relationship between Trump and Infantino, which has drawn criticism, especially during the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across North America.
Interestingly, Trump's support comes just days after he claimed to have no prior knowledge of Infantino's controversial proposal. This statement raised eyebrows, particularly given the close ties between the two men and the involvement of Thrive Eternal, a venture capital firm linked to Joshua Kushner, Trump's son-in-law's brother, which was reportedly set to lead the investor group for the proposal. Reports also indicated that the Trump administration had been consulted regarding the project, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
