Former President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed FIFA President Gianni Infantino's upcoming re-election bid, warning that the organization would face financial disaster if Infantino is removed from office in the March elections.

Trump stated on Truth Social that FIFA would be making a "terrible mistake" if it considered replacing Infantino. He lauded Infantino's leadership, attributing the success of the 2026 World Cup to him and asserting that future tournaments would not be as "successful or profitable" without him.

The "four times" reference made by Trump likely refers to the doubled television viewership of the 2026 World Cup compared to the 2022 event in Qatar.

However, Infantino faces significant opposition. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have jointly accused Infantino of deception regarding a now-abandoned proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors, including Joshua Kushner, who is the brother of Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. These confederations called for an independent review of Infantino's conduct, stating he had "placed himself above the collective" and urging leadership that "serves football, not seeks to command it."

FIFA, in response, issued a statement criticizing a "concerted and ongoing effort" to undermine both the organization and Infantino. UEFA has indicated they will continue to boycott FIFA competitions if Infantino remains president. Additionally, the president of the Norwegian Football Federation, Lise Klaveness, has called for Infantino's resignation.

Despite this opposition, Infantino has received support from Mexico's football federation, breaking ranks with CONCACAF. Argentina, Qatar, Paraguay, Morocco, and Egypt are also among the nations supporting his continued presidency.

Infantino is also facing allegations of a "departure payment" made by UEFA to a female employee with whom he allegedly had a relationship during his tenure as general secretary of the European football governing body. UEFA confirmed a payment was made, while FIFA has denied the allegation as "categorically untrue."

The next FIFA presidential elections are scheduled for March.