Donald Trump sends clear message to those supporting 'terrible' idea of replacing Gianni Infantino

Gianni Infantino's future as FIFA president is under fire, but the controversial leader seems to have allies in the right places.

One of Infantino's most prominent friends, U.S. president Donald Trump, is now among those showing support for the embattled FIFA chief after Infantino concocted a plan to hand part of the World Cup over to a private investment company.

The plan was scrapped as UEFA and others spoke out forcefully against it, leaving Infantino fighting just to keep his job.

Here's what Trump had to say about Infantino as speculation swirls.

MORE: Pressure on Gianni Infantino to resign intensifies

Donald Trump shows support for Gianni Infantino

In a Truth Social post on Monday night, Trump said it would be a "terrible mistake" for Infantino to lose his job as FIFA president.

"FIFA would be making a terrible mistake if, for any reason, they even considered replacing President Gianni Infantino," Trump said. "He is fantastic, having just 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!"

Cautious backing from Donald Trump for Gianni Infantino after two weeks of FIFA crisis.
No attacks on Infantino’s critics, including US Soccer.
No warnings about the impact on US-FIFA relations (still a Women’s World Cup bid to vote through).
And talking about “if he is gone” pic.twitter.com/vRV2m5sD2W

Trump has a longstanding friendship with Infantino, one that has been reciprocated many times over the last year. Infantino presented Trump with the newly-created FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup Draw in December, and Trump presented the World Cup trophy and medals at the final alongside the FIFA president in July.

Trump's potential influence on the lifting of Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension during the World Cup after making a call to Infantino also generated controversy.

Here's more to know about Infantino's future as FIFA president.

MORE: What happens if Gianni Infantino resigns?

Will FIFA replace Gianni Infantino?

Infantino appears to be firm in his commitment to stay on the job as FIFA president amid mounting pressure, but the real test could come in March, when a vote to determine the president will be held.

Pressure grew on Monday, when UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC issued a scathing statement targeting Infantino:

"Leadership in football is not a possession. It is not about holding – or demanding – power to be held. It is a duty of service to the football family that entrusts it," the letter said. "When trust is broken through deception, when an individual places himself above the collective that entrusted him with authority, that duty has been abandoned."

While Infantino still has some support elsewhere, including from the African federation, his future is less than certain — and Trump seems to recognize that.