Donald Trump is reportedly backing FIFA chief Gianni Infantino for a major global role. The reported push could place one of Trump’s closest international allies in the race to lead the U.N. According to multiple reports, Trump has floated Infantino as a potential candidate for the next United Nations secretary-general.
Donald Trump reportedly has a job for Gianni Infantino
The reported effort comes after years of increasingly warm ties between Donald Trump and Infantino, who have frequently appeared together at major FIFA events. According to a source cited by the New York Post, Trump believes Infantino is “respected by everyone around the world” and has a unique ability to “bring people together,” making him a strong fit for the U.N.’s top position.
Whether Infantino is interested remains unclear. The FIFA president currently earns about $6 million annually leading world football, and neither he nor FIFA has publicly addressed the reported discussions. The White House also did not comment on the claims.
The role is expected to open later this year when current Secretary-General António Guterres completes his term. Before any candidate can be confirmed by the U.N. General Assembly, they must first secure the backing of the 15-member Security Council, including all five permanent members with veto power.
Paolo Zampolli, Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships and a longtime friend of Infantino, told the New York Post he was unaware of any formal campaign. Even so, he praised the reported idea, saying “only President Trump” could have come up with it. Zampolli also argued that leading FIFA, which has more than 200 member associations, requires skills comparable to managing the U.N.’s 193 member states.
The report is particularly notable because Trump has often criticized the United Nations during his political career. His administration reduced U.S. funding for several U.N.-linked organizations and withdrew from bodies including the World Health Organization, UNESCO and the U.N. Human Rights Council.
Originally reported by Rishabh Shandilya on Mandatory.
