In the United States, President Donald Trump has expressed his desire for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to take over as the next secretary-general of the United Nations. This information was reported by the New York Post, which cited a source close to Trump. The current UN secretary-general, António Guterres, is set to step down in December, and the selection of his successor will occur later this year. Trump believes that Infantino is widely respected and possesses a unique ability to unite people, making him a suitable candidate for the role.
The relationship between Trump and Infantino has developed over the years, particularly during the preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico. Their friendship has been highlighted by Infantino awarding Trump FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize in December, a gesture that came after Trump had previously claimed he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in conflict resolution. This close association has raised eyebrows, especially during the FIFA World Cup, where Trump reportedly intervened in a disciplinary decision involving a U.S. player, Folarin Balogun.
The decision to suspend Balogun's one-match disqualification was met with criticism, as UEFA condemned it as an unprecedented case of political interference. Infantino, however, denied any involvement in the decision-making process regarding the player. The U.S. team was eliminated from the tournament after a significant defeat to Belgium, which further fueled discussions about the influence of politics in sports.
As the UN prepares for a new leader, Trump's endorsement of Infantino could signal a shift in the type of candidates considered for the role. Historically, UN secretaries-general have been former politicians or diplomats, and Trump's choice of a sports executive is unconventional. The upcoming selection process will require approval from the 15-member Security Council and the General Assembly, making it a complex political maneuver. Trump's push for Infantino reflects his broader strategy of appointing individuals from outside traditional political backgrounds to key positions.
