**Trump Proposes FIFA President Infantino for UN Secretary-General Position**
US President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, to be appointed as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to a report by the New York Post. The report, published on Tuesday, cites an unnamed source close to Trump who claims that the president views Infantino as a globally respected figure with a unique ability to unite people.
Infantino, who hails from Switzerland, has developed a rapport with Trump, particularly after awarding him FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize in December. This award was given amidst Trump's assertions that he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for his diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving international conflicts. Their relationship has garnered attention, especially during the FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
During the tournament, a controversial incident occurred involving US player Folarin Balogun, who faced a one-match disqualification. In a surprising turn, FIFA suspended the disqualification shortly before the Round of 16 matches. Trump later revealed that he had personally reached out to Infantino to discuss what he perceived as an unfair penalty against Balogun. This intervention raised eyebrows, with UEFA, the governing body for European football, condemning it as an instance of political interference. Infantino, however, denied any involvement in the decision regarding Balogun's case.
The current Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, is set to complete his term in December, prompting discussions about his successor. The selection process for the new UN chief involves approval from the 15-member Security Council, followed by a vote from the General Assembly. Historically, individuals who have held this position have been former politicians or diplomats, raising questions about the suitability of Infantino, who comes from a sports administration background.
The role of the Secretary-General is significant, as it serves as the chief representative of the UN on the global stage. While the permanent members of the Security Council wield substantial influence over the appointment, the Secretary-General's position remains pivotal in shaping international dialogue and cooperation.
Trump’s inclination to nominate Infantino aligns with his past tendencies to appoint figures from the sports and entertainment sectors to governmental roles. Notably, during his presidency, he appointed Linda McMahon, co-founder of WWE, as the Secretary of Education.
As discussions around the new UN Secretary-General unfold, it remains uncertain whether Infantino has any interest in pursuing this role. The prospect of a FIFA president transitioning to such a significant diplomatic position raises intriguing questions about the intersection of sports and global governance.