In a rare public intervention in football politics, US President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind FIFA president Gianni Infantino as the embattled leader faces allegations of a workplace affair and mounting criticism over a failed private investment scheme. “FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino,” Mr Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. Mr Trump praised the Italian-Swiss lawyer as “fantastic” and credited him with having “presided over the most successful World Cup, by four times, ever presented”. Mr Infantino, who is due to face re-election next March, has denied any wrongdoing. Support for Mr Infantino has also come from other parts of the football world, with the Confederation of African Football and South American governing body CONMEBOL aligning with Mr Trump’s position in backing the FIFA president.