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America's top football league has no plans to remove the global music icon as the headline performer for the prestigious mid-game entertainment, League chief Roger Goodell stated on Wednesday.

With this affirmation, Goodell stood by the choice to place the internationally acclaimed singer on the most-watched platform, a move that sparked criticism from the former president and his political base.

Goodell addressed the controversy during his media briefing following the league's autumn gathering. This marks the first time he has publicly remarked on the appointment, which has attracted global interest, including a rise in streams of the artist's catalog alongside backlash.

“The decision was thoroughly considered,” Goodell said. “I’m not sure we have chosen an artist where we didn’t have some blowback or criticism. It’s challenging to do when you have literally countless viewers of fans tuning in.”

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has been a vocal opponent of the former leader. He recently decided to hold a month-long concert series in Puerto Rico, skipping performances in the continental United States, citing apprehensions about the mass deportation of Latinos.

The 31-year-old, who sings primarily in his native language, is expected to do so at the big game.

“We’re confident it’s going to be a great show,” the NFL commissioner said. “He understands the platform that he’s on, and I think it will prove thrilling and a unifying moment.”

The San Francisco 49ers are staging the championship game on 8 February at Levi’s Stadium in the Bay Area. There is uncertainty if Trump plans to attend, though he has made physical attendance at high-profile games a significant part of his second term.

The political figure in an interview on right-leaning media the outlet claimed he had “no knowledge of” Bad Bunny.

“I’m unfamiliar with his identity,” he said. “I can’t comprehend why they’re doing it. It’s, like, crazy. Additionally, they blame it on some promoter they contracted to select talent. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”

Goodell supported the decision this week, clarifying it was determined because of Bad Bunny’s massive fanbase.

“He’s one of the top and best-loved entertainers globally,” Goodell said. “That’s what we try to accomplish. It’s an important stage for us. It’s an important element to the entertainment value.”