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“Trump wants to make FIFA President Gianni Infantino the next UN Secretary-General”
©picture alliance / Action Plus | Heuler Andrey/DiaEsportivo
The bromance between the U.S. president and the FIFA president seems to be continuing even after the World Cup.
According to The New York Post, Donald Trump wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. Trump reportedly believes that Infantino is respected worldwide and possesses a special gift for bringing people together. The suggestion didn’t come out of nowhere. In recent years, Trump and Infantino have grown close during the organization of the World Cup, and the FIFA president presented Trump with the first FIFA Peace Prize just last December. They also sat together in the stands during the World Cup final, where Trump, Infantino, and Melania jointly presented the World Cup trophy to Spanish captain Rodri after the match.
The timing is notable, as the succession of António Guterres is on the agenda later this year. His term expires at the end of December, and the new secretary-general must first secure the support of the fifteen members of the UN Security Council, followed by approval in the General Assembly. It's not yet clear whether Infantino himself is interested in the position, and FIFA has not yet responded either. According to the newspaper, Trump believes Infantino can compete with other candidates, including former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. The U.S. president apparently sees Infantino as a fresh outsider for a position that is typically filled through intense diplomatic negotiations.
A phone call that shook the world
The close ties between Trump and Infantino have caused resentment in the past. During the World Cup, the FIFA president came under fire after the red card shown to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun was rescinded, allowing him to play in the round of 16 match against Belgium after all. Trump himself later confirmed that he had called Infantino about the matter. Meanwhile, Infantino is also awaiting an important decision of his own. In March 2027, the FIFA Congress will decide whether he will be granted a fourth term as president.
©picture alliance / Action Plus | Heuler Andrey/DiaEsportivo