Gianni Infantino faces the most serious crisis of his FIFA presidency, just months before an increasingly tense re-election campaign. His controversial plan to open FIFA to private investors by selling World Cup shares has triggered strong opposition from several football authorities.
The pressure intensified when UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC published a joint open letter challenging FIFA’s governance and expressing serious concerns about the lack of trust surrounding Infantino’s leadership.
Donald Trump steps in to defend Infantino
Donald Trump has nevertheless stepped in to support the FIFA president. The US president defended Infantino on Truth Social, calling him a “terrific leader” and arguing that FIFA would make a serious mistake by replacing him.
The two men have maintained a close relationship since Infantino presented Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize at the end of 2025. Trump’s intervention comes as several other allegations continue to surround Infantino, including reports about his alleged links to people connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
New revelations increase the pressure on FIFA’s president
The pressure has also increased with reports from The Telegraph and AS Mexico. The British newspaper reported that Infantino allegedly entrusted FIFA’s privatization project to JPMorgan banker Mary Erdoes, whom it linked to Epstein through past communications.
AS Mexico, meanwhile, reported that Infantino allegedly promised Mexico a move from Concacaf to CONMEBOL if he wins another term. Such a decision would have major consequences for international football. With opposition from several confederations, fresh allegations and a growing battle over his re-election, Infantino faces an increasingly uncertain future at FIFA.
