Trump reportedly backs FIFA's Infantino for UN chief role
Donald Trump is reportedly pushing for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to become the next UN Secretary General, a move that would test European diplomatic support given ongoing controversies over the football chief's ties to the US president.
US President Donald Trump is reportedly pushing for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to succeed António Guterres as United Nations Secretary General. According to a source close to the president cited by US media, Trump views the upcoming leadership vacuum as a "clear opportunity" and considers the football chief a "respected" candidate.
Guterres completes his second term on 31 December. Any candidate to replace him must secure the approval of the 15-member UN Security Council, a body where European states hold significant influence. European backing will therefore be decisive if Infantino's candidacy moves from a reported presidential preference to an actual diplomatic campaign.
The prospect faces immediate scepticism in European political circles. Infantino and Trump have developed a highly visible alliance since the US president returned to the White House in January 2025. This relationship drew intense scrutiny during the 2026 World Cup, which was co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
After the US defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, American striker Folarin Balogun received a one-match ban for catching Tarik Muharemović on the ankle. The suspension threatened his availability for a crucial round of 16 tie against Belgium, but FIFA surprisingly lifted the ban following a direct phone call from Trump to Infantino.
The intervention prompted sharp criticism and direct action from Europe. Members of the European Parliament called for an investigation into Infantino's conduct. Additionally, human rights group FairSquare filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee, accusing the FIFA president of breaching rules on political neutrality by offering support to Trump.
Infantino has firmly rejected accusations of political interference. "Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected," he said this month, referring to FIFA's judicial bodies.
He confirmed the call with Trump but insisted he did not dictate the outcome. "During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies," Infantino said. "That is how FIFA’s system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold."
Earlier this year, Infantino further cemented his relationship with the US president by awarding Trump FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize for "exceptional actions for peace and unity." For European diplomats evaluating any future UN bid, these episodes will likely raise difficult questions about the candidate's separation of global governance from personal political alliances.
