Donald Trump wants FIFA chief Gianni Infantino as new UN secretary-general: Report

Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to a New York Post report.The report said Trump was impressed by Infantino’s role in hosting the World Cup and believes the Swiss official has the ability to unite people around the world.

Trump backs Infantino for top UN role

According to the report, Trump believes Infantino would be a strong candidate to replace current UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose term ends in December.A source close to Trump told the New York Post: “He is respected by everyone around the world and recognizes that he has a special ability to bring people together.”However, it is still unclear whether Infantino is interested in the position or whether Trump has discussed the proposal with him.To become the next UN Secretary-General, a candidate must first win the support of the 15-member UN Security Council, where five permanent members have veto power, before being approved by the UN General Assembly.

Trump and Infantino became close during the World Cup

The report said Infantino and Trump developed a close relationship while working together during this year’s World Cup.Infantino reportedly made a special effort to include Trump in the tournament, having previously awarded him the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December.

The World Cup finals sparked a backlash for Trump and Infantino

Trump and Infantino were also in the spotlight during the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.Trump arrived at the stadium aboard Marine One and watched the game from a VIP suite alongside Infantino. According to The Guardian, he received scattered boos when he appeared on the stadium’s giant screens before kick-off.The reaction was louder after the match when Trump and Infantino entered the pitch to present the trophy after Spain’s 1-0 win.The atmosphere turned more awkward when Trump remained on stage after presenting the trophy and appeared to join the Spanish celebrations before eventually leaving the stage.

A relationship under the microscope

Trump’s close relationship with Infantino also came under scrutiny earlier in the tournament after US forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match red card suspension was overturned ahead of the Round of 16 match against Belgium.

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