Donald Trump backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid criticism

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been facing troubles since his announcement of the FIFA Forward Enterprise. The proposal aimed to bring involvement and investment in FIFA-related events, especially the FIFA World Cup.

UEFA, CONCACAF, FA, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and other football associations expressed anger and concern following the proposal. While the plan was withdrawn following the backlash and numerous member associations have extended their support to Infantino, it is safe to say that the FIFA president’s popularity and trust have taken a massive dent.

US President Donald Trump has come in defence of Infantino by saying that FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if they consider replacing him. He also said that the sport will never be as successful or profitable if Infantino leaves.

“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino. 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,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Argentine Football Association extends support to FIFA president Gianni Infantino

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has thrown its weight behind Infantino, backing his leadership at a time when calls for his resignation continue to grow in the aftermath of the governing body’s abandoned private investment proposal.

“On behalf of the Argentine Football Association [AFA], we express our support for the management carried out during the last 10 years, which had as its main focuses the development of football throughout the world. You [Infantino] are leading a management that has brought about a profound transformation of FIFA; that has opened the doors of the organisation to all member associations and confederations, so that through frank and direct dialogue, we can all continue to promote football at all levels and disciplines. 

We firmly believe that the way forward is to continue working under your leadership, in order to continue developing a better and even more inclusive sport,” the AFA statement said.

Additionally, amid the furore, he has also found himself in a tricky situation yet again.

According to several reports, the incumbent FIFA President is being accused of having a secret love affair during his stint at UEFA as general secretary.

Infantino, who held the high-profile job at Europe’s governing body from 2009 to 2016, is also accused of having promoted the woman in that period. She also received a six-figure sum from UEFA in the form of a pay-off after her relationship with Infantino, as reported by The Telegraph.

(With Inputs from Agencies)

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