Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterDonald Trump has reportedly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino to be the next secretary-general of the United Nations.The current holder of the UNs highest office is Antonio Guterres, who will depart the role in December. The latest reward for Infantinos apparently bottomless appetite for Trumps approval is his recommendation for the role.Infantino has been criticised for his friendship with Trump, not only because of his politics but because of its limiting effect on FIFAs ability to act with any authority on the United States of Americas serial breaches of the agreed expectations of a World Cup host.Trump helped Infantino tear the fabric of the World Cup and now its time for a rewardWorld Cup 2026 was played primarily in the United States in June and July but there were repeated instances of controversy.Irans ability to compete on a level playing field was destroyed by FIFAs inaction against United States policy overruling World Cup rules. You may like Who is Gianni Infantino? Everything you need to know about the FIFA President Will Donald Trump be at the World Cup final and will he present the trophy? "Gianni Infantino asked me to become his advisor, at a time there was a lot of criticism about FIFA. Now, I spend 99 per cent of my time working alongside him" Youri Djorkaeff on working with the FIFA chief Somali referee Omer Artan was robbed of his World Cup dream, turned away at the border and sent home. Because of Infantinos alliance with Trump, FIFA was powerless to stop it and shameful in its silence.During the tournament itself, the suspension of the automatic ban that should have been imposed on in-form United States striker Folarin Balogun as a result of his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina was widely reviled.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.So poor is the impression of Infantino under Trumps thumb that it really doesnt matter whether the US presidents boast about making a call to Infantino to kill the ban was truth or bluster. It was believable either way and thats a problem.Now, the man upon whom the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize was bestowed months before a war reportedly wants to return the favour by calling for Infantino to be given the top job in the UN.Mr Infantino would need to be endorsed by the UN Security Council and receive confirmation from the General Assembly to become the next secretary-general, reports Lily Shanagher for The Telegraph. What to read next Donald Trump breaks silence on World Cup 2026 proposal to replace qualifiers Iran with Italy Gianni Infantino makes 'personal' World Cup final ticket offer How many matches has Gianni Infantino attended at the 2026 World Cup? Sources said he could secure multiple nominations alongside Mr Trumps. It was unclear whether Mr Infantino wanted the job or whether Mr Trump had broached the topic with him.The embarrassing nature of Infantinos clinging to Trump is overshadowed by the very real prospect of the president of FIFA, and therefore FIFA itself and football by extension, being implicated in Trumps political manoeuvres.By apparently naming him as a preferred candidate for the UN, Trump is leveraging his influence over Infantino the man who is supposed to represent footballs interests globally in a purely political realm.Mr Trump has frequently expressed his dissatisfaction with the UN, accusing it of contributing to uncontrolled migration and sabotage while cutting funding and mandatory payments to the board.In FourFourTwos opinion, the very fact that Infantinos name has been mooted in that context is evidence that his friendship with Trump is problematic and directly contravenes FIFAs stated values.Chris NeeChris is a Warwickshire-based freelance football writer specialising in West Midlands football, the Premier League, the EFL and the J.League. He is the author of the High Protein Beef Paste football newsletter and owner of Aston Villa Review. He supports Coventry Sphinx.
