Donald Trump wants FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to be next UN secretary-general: Report | Football news

Donald Trump and the head of FIFA Gianni Infantino (photo AP)

NEW DELHI: US President Donald Trump wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to become the next Secretary General of the United Nations, writes the New York Post. The report said Trump was impressed by Infantino’s organizing role FIFA World Cup and believes that 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 during the tournament and earlier in December presented him with FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize.

The World Cup final drew boos for Trump and Infantino

Trump and Infantino were also in the spotlight during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.Trump arrived at the stadium on Marine One and watched the game from the VIP suite together with Infantina. According to The Guardian, he received scattered boos when he appeared on the stadium’s giant screens before kick-off.The backlash grew louder after the game when Trump and Infantino walked onto the pitch to present the trophy after Spain’s 1-0 win.The atmosphere became more awkward when Trump remained on the podium after handing over the trophy, appearing to join in the Spanish celebration before finally leaving the stage.

Relationship under scrutiny

Trump’s close relationship with Infantina also came under scrutiny earlier in the tournament after US forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension was lifted for a red card ahead of the round of 16 clash against Belgium.