Story perspectives

Trump Backs Infantino as Confederations Push Resignation over Rights Sale

8/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump posted on August 11, 2026, defending FIFA president Gianni Infantino against removal calls.
Infantino’s plan to sell 20% of World Cup rights to Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Capital drew condemnation from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation.
The three confederations issued an open letter demanding Infantino’s resignation, saying he breached trust and noting they control 127 of the 211 votes needed to remove him.

History

Historical Context

On 27 May 2015 Swiss police and U.S. authorities arrested 14 FIFA officials in Zurich, and the U.S. Department of Justice later added 16 indictments, prompting ethics bans on Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini and Blatter’s resignation in December 2015. The scandal spurred UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC to pledge full cooperation, a dynamic that continues to shape FIFA reform discussions.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump posted on August 11, 2026, defending FIFA president Gianni Infantino against removal calls.
Infantino’s plan to sell 20% of World Cup rights to Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Capital drew condemnation from UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation.
The three confederations issued an open letter demanding Infantino’s resignation, saying he breached trust and noting they control 127 of the 211 votes needed to remove him.

1 / 2