Trump Backs Infantino for Thirty More Years at FIFA

The symbiotic relationship between the echelons of global sport and international politics has reached a new crescendo as US President Donald Trump expressed his desire to see Gianni Infantino remain at the helm of FIFA for another three decades. The endorsement came as the Swiss-Italian administrator marked a decade in power on 26 February 2026, a milestone that has reignited debates regarding term limits and the future of football’s world governing body.

A Message of Support on Truth Social

President Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to offer a glowing commendation of Infantino’s leadership. Highlighting the camaraderie built through the preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the President wrote:

"Congratulations to Gianni Infantino on completing 10 years as FIFA President. What a great leader he is! I hope he stays there for another 10, 20, or even 30 years."

The warm rhetoric reflects a significant alliance between Washington and Zurich, particularly as the United States prepares to co-host the largest-ever World Cup later this year.

The Evolution of Infantino’s Tenure

Infantino’s rise to power was born out of the ashes of the 2015 corruption scandal that toppled his predecessor, Sepp Blatter, who had reigned for 17 years. Originally the General Secretary of UEFA, Infantino emerged as a reformist alternative after Michel Platini was barred from the election.

Since taking office in 2016, Infantino has overseen the expansion of the World Cup and a significant increase in FIFA's commercial revenues. However, his longevity has been secured through complex navigational manoeuvres regarding FIFA’s statutes.

The "Twelve-Year Rule" and Constitutional Loopholes

Following the Blatter era, FIFA Congress introduced a mandatory cap of three four-year terms (a maximum of 12 years) to prevent the monopolisation of power. Under standard interpretation, Infantino would have been required to step down by 2028.

However, a pivotal meeting of the FIFA Council in Qatar in December 2022 ruled that Infantino’s initial three years (2016–2019) would not count towards this 12-year limit, as he was merely completing an "incomplete" term. This legal distinction grants him the eligibility to stand for re-election in 2027, potentially extending his presidency until 2031.

The Barrier to Trump’s 30-Year Vision

While President Trump’s endorsement suggests a desire for an era-defining leadership, FIFA’s current regulations make a 30-year presidency a legal impossibility. To remain in power beyond 2031, FIFA would need to undergo another significant constitutional amendment—a move that would likely face scrutiny from international sporting bodies and transparency advocates. For now, despite the President's wishes, Infantino’s horizon is fixed at the next five years.