US President Donald Trump on Monday backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is in hot water over allegations of a workplace affair and criticism of a failed private investment scheme.

Read more Infantino denies affair allegation, FIFA slams ‘concerted’ effort to weaken him

“FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” Trump said in a Truth Social post, calling the Italian-Swiss lawyer “fantastic” and saying he “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!”

Trump’s backing of Infantino contrasts with the response of US Soccer, which issued a statement critiquing the FIFA leader alongside Canada Soccer and football organisations in Central America and the Caribbean.

Read more UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC accuse Infantino of ‘fundamental breach of trust’

Infantino, who faces re-election next March, has denied allegations of wrongdoing, and FIFA for their part has backed its besieged president, calling the backlash “a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine” the organisation.

Other football organisations, including the Confederation of African Football and South American governing body CONMEBOL, share Trump’s position in supporting Infantino.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)