The vice president of the U.S. Soccer Federation has criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino for cultivating a close relationship with former United States President Donald Trump in the lead-up to and during the 2026 World Cup.

Nathán Goldberg Crenier wrote an editorial for The Guardian, urging soccer federation leaders globally to challenge Infantino’s management decisions for FIFA. Crenier believes that the “egotistical and transactional” direction of Infantino’s leadership poses a threat to “the soul of the sport.”

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Crenier, who was elected to his position in 2024, specifically called out Infantino’s efforts to “ingratiate himself with Donald Trump at all costs” as part of an effort to win favor from the U.S. government during Trump’s presidency.

Crenier cited FIFA’s decision to suspend the red card issued to USMNT player Folarin Balogun before the U.S. match against Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16 as a recent example. Balogun received the card during the Stars and Stripes’ match against Bosnia-Herzegovina for stepping on the ankle of Tarek Muharemovic, a decision many observers believed was excessive and unmerited.

According to reports, Trump personally called Infantino to urge him to review Balogun’s one-game ban. The former president later claimed he was “forced” to make the call and “had no idea what was going to happen.” However, the Times of London indicated that FIFA disciplinary chair Mohammad al-Kamali made the decision independently.

Crenier also highlighted Infantino’s decision to honor Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw in December, a move that reportedly lacked approval from the FIFA Council. Members of the council indicated they were not consulted on the creation of the prize or the decision to award it to Trump, as The Athletic reported. Many members learned about the award through the media.

Due to these actions, Crenier believes that “the biggest casualty was soccer’s integrity.” He noted that the Balogun situation turned into a political controversy, which the USMNT striker labeled as “a lot of outside noise” that distracted the team.

Crenier criticized the prospect of Trump presenting the World Cup trophy alongside Infantino to the winner of the 2026 final between Spain and Argentina, deeming it yet another “debasing of our sport.”

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In closing his op-ed, Crenier expressed encouragement from others in the sports community who are speaking out against Infantino’s ethics and actions. UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, issued criticism of Infantino in May for prioritizing “private political interests” over the sport’s best interests. The federation may also look for candidates to replace Infantino, as talkSPORT reported.