what relationship does the head of fifa have with trump

Gianni Infantino, the head of FIFA, appears to have a very close, highly visible relationship with Donald Trump. Recent reporting says Infantino has made repeated public and private efforts to stay close to Trump, and Trump has referred to him as “the king of soccer.”

What that relationship looks like

• Infantino has prioritized maintaining a close relationship with Trump, including visits and public praise.

• The two have been linked again this week because Trump reportedly called Infantino to ask FIFA to review Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension.

• Reporting describes the relationship as one of mutual political and sporting usefulness, especially around the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.

Why it matters

• Their relationship matters because FIFA is running a World Cup hosted in the U.S., so access to Trump’s circle has real practical value.

• Critics say the closeness can create the perception that FIFA is favoring U.S. interests, especially when decisions affect American teams.

• Supporters would say it helps FIFA navigate a major event in a politically charged environment.

In plain terms

The best short answer is: Infantino and Trump are not distant counterparts; they are politically and personally close , and that closeness shows up in FIFA’s public posture and in recent World Cup controversies.

Would you like the relationship summarized in one sentence, or the latest controversy around Balogun explained?