Donald Trump would like FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations.
Trump and Infantino have developed a close bond after working together to help the US deliver a successful World Cup, alongside Canada and Mexico, and the US president would like to see him play a greater role in politics moving forward.
According the New York Post, Infantino would be Trump’s preferred candidate to replace Antonio Guterres when the Portuguese steps down in December.
A source close to the president told the Post: “He [Infantino] is respected by everyone around the world, and [Trump] recognises he has a special ability to bring people together.”
Infantino, who awarded Trump FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December, is thought to be happy in his current role and the reported £4.5million annual salary. But if he does throw his name into the hat to replace Guterres he would have to receive the endorsement of the 15-member UN Security Council and then the confirmation of the General Assembly.
Infantino’s record shows he knows how to manage – US special envoy
Paolo Zampolli, Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships, told the Post: “Only President Trump could have such a genius idea.
“At the United Nations, you have to deal with 193 member states. In FIFA, there are over 200 members [and] Gianni’s great record shows he knows how to manage.”
Trump has been a frequent critic of the United Nations since returning for a second term as president and often voiced his frutration at their lack of intervention in global conflicts.
The Post speculates that having Infantino in a senior role at the UN would improve its relationship with the US.
Infantino remains a divisive figure in the world of football. While many confederations like the idea of an expanded World Cup that this year saw a record 48 teams take part, that view is not shared by many in Europe, who believe it dilutes the quality of the product.
The issue of hydration breaks also drew criticism, as did the extended half-time break in the final to allow the likes of Madonna, Justin Bieber and Shakira to perform.
Infantino was accused of fawning to Trump during the tournament when a conversation between the two led to the suspension of a red card awarded to USA striker Folarin Balogun in the round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun was allowed to play in the subsequent game with Belgium but couldn’t prevent his side from losing 4-1.
