Trump warns replacing FIFA chief Infantino would be 'terrible mistake' - ESPN

President Donald Trump defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino amid backlash over his handling of a plan to sell an interest in the World Cup, warning soccer federations they would make a «terrible mistake» if they force out Infantino.

In a message posted to Truth Social on Monday night, Trump said FIFA would «never be as successful or profitable» without Infantino.

«FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,» Trump posted.

«He is fantastic, having just presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented. If he is gone, it will never be as successful or profitable again! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT.»

Confederations from Europe, North America, and Asia said Monday in an «open letter to the football family» that Infantino's failed commercial proposal for the World Cup was a «fundamental breach of trust» with the institutions the sport's global governing body serves.

UEFA, Concacaf, and the AFC also declared that «when trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned.»

«Football is the world's greatest shared passion. It belongs to no individual and no institution. It belongs to the players, the fans, the clubs, the member associations and every institution entrusted with safeguarding its future. It is in that spirit, as confederations representing its members, that we speak collectively today,» the letter said.

Also on Monday, U.S. Soccer, which is a Concacaf member, issued an additional statement supporting Concacaf.

«U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer, CFU (Caribbean Football Union) and UNCAF