FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that Donald Trump will present the World Cup trophy to the winning team at the final on 19 July. The announcement comes amidst a close relationship that has developed between Infantino and Trump in the lead-up to the tournament.
Infantino confirmed in an interview that Trump is expected to play a significant role in the trophy presentation ceremony, which will take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium. This mirrors Trump’s involvement at last year’s Club World Cup final in the United States, where Chelsea emerged victorious.
During the interview, Infantino was asked if he and Trump would make the presentation together. He responded, “Of course, we are together all the time,” indicating a shared presence during the ceremony. Infantino further elaborated, “We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course.”
Trump’s presence at the Club World Cup final drew attention when he remained on the winners’ podium after handing the trophy to Chelsea’s Reece James. James later recalled the situation, stating, “They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay.”
When asked about his interaction with Trump at that event, James mentioned, “To be honest it was quite loud. I couldn’t hear too much. He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment.”
Another Chelsea player, Cole Palmer, who scored two goals against Paris Saint-Germain in that match, expressed some confusion regarding Trump’s prolonged presence. Palmer stated, “I knew he was going to be here, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yes.”
Trump’s Tournament Absence and Prior Engagements
Despite the upcoming appearance at the final, Donald Trump has been notably absent from the World Cup tournament thus far. He did not attend the U.S. Men’s National Team’s opening match against Paraguay, nor their subsequent game against Australia. However, he did reportedly call the U.S. Men’s National Team before the tournament began, conveying his belief that they had “a really good chance of going all the way.”
Trump’s absence from earlier World Cup matches led to speculation. His World Cup task force chief, Andrew Giuliani, suggested that Trump enjoys creating anticipation. Giuliani, who has known Trump for an extended period, commented, “he likes a good cliffhanger, right?” He added, “He likes to leave people watching, so all I can tell you is ‘keep tuned in’, and I’m excited to see what the next steps are.” Giuliani also mentioned that Trump had planned international trips and Independence Day commitments.
Prior to the World Cup final announcement, Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City, which was the only game the New York Knicks lost. He also attended UFC 250, which took place on the White House lawn. During his visit to Madison Square Garden for the Knicks game, reports indicated that he was met with jeers. Following the Knicks’ loss, some fans were filmed burning sage outside the arena before Game 4, reportedly to cleanse what they perceived as negative energy brought by the president.
Infantino and Trump’s Relationship
The relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump appears to be strong. Infantino’s recent interview follows a period where the two have developed a close connection. This alliance was further highlighted when Infantino reportedly awarded Trump the newly-created FIFA World Peace after Trump was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize earlier in the year.
Infantino’s comments about Trump’s role in the World Cup final trophy presentation were made during an appearance on Fox & Friends. This interview occurred a day after a story was published that discussed Trump’s absence from the tournament, adding to the ongoing conversation about his involvement.
The plan for Donald Trump to present the World Cup trophy alongside Gianni Infantino at the final on 19 July marks a significant moment for the tournament.
Source: theguardian.com
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