US President Donald Trump has warned FIFA that replacing Gianni Infantino as its president would be a terrible mistake, as European football body UEFA threatens legal action over Infantino's failed plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits.
Trump's comments are the first time he has spoken in Infantino's defence since the FFE plans were leaked on July 28, according to Al Jazeera. The BBC says Infantino is under pressure to stay on as FIFA president.
UEFA has warned FIFA it could take legal action over the abandoned investment scheme, and has insisted that any potential evidence should be preserved, CBC reported. The plan had involved selling a share of future World Cup revenues to private investors.
The developments add to the turbulence surrounding FIFA's leadership. Infantino has faced increasing scrutiny after the leaked documents, which prompted UEFA's warning. FIFA has not yet publicly responded to either Trump or UEFA.
Trump made his remarks without giving further details, and the specific reasons for Infantino's precarious position were not outlined in the reports.