Score One for the Soccer Stars: Trump's Exchange with FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino Leaves Him Sweating
Trump invites FIFA head Infantino to the Oval Office for a meeting
Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link
Trump hosts a bizarre press event with Juventus FC and FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, at the White House. The U.S. president puts the pros in an awkward position with his silly questions, turning the athletes into extras for his critique on the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. The stars, of course, steal the show, leaving Trump flustered.
Trump's questions about the impact of his travel bans on the Club World Cup leave Gianni Infantino sweating on camera. "In what way do the travel bans affect the Club World Cup?" a reporter asks Trump. "Gianni, you take it," he replies, looking at the soccer chief. Infantino fumbles for an answer, claiming everything is "smoothly arranged" and that there's "excellent, excellent cooperation with the president, but also especially with the task force."
The press couldn't help but notice Trump's embarrassing moment. "I don't think he's too worried about the travel bans," a reporter quips. "He doesn't even know what the travel bans are about." Gianni Infantino chuckles nervously.
The FIFA Head Speaks
"Gianni, tell me what the travel bans are," Trump asks the FIFA president. Infantino, knowing full well the potential chaos Trump's travel bans could cause for his upcoming tournament, breaks into a bitter laugh. "The travel bans are the visa restrictions the U.S. government has imposed on people from certain countries," Infantino explains, attempting to maintain his composure.
Trump's travel bans could mean a world of trouble for Infantino's premier event next year - with teams scrambling to secure visas and possible absent fans. Iran, Haiti, and Sudan are all contenders for the tournament, while teams like Sierra Leone will be fighting for qualification. Trump's latest ban round could prevent these teams from attending with their fans. Exceptions are only made for athletes, coaches, essential staff, and immediate family members traveling for sports events designated by the Secretary of State. The general public, however, is not exempt.
The World Cup Countdown Begins
"We still have a year until the World Cup to prepare for the big tournament with 48 teams, 104 games, and - as Infantino promises - fans from all over the world," the FIFA president bravely declares in the Oval Office. Despite Trump's support, Infantino doesn't seem unaffected by his parter's sudden surprise visits and controversial political missions.
Even at the FIFA Congress in mid-May, Infantino announced: "The world is welcome in America. The players, of course, everyone involved, but definitely also all the fans." Just a few days later, Trump announced that people from 19 countries would have their entry restricted or banned.
Confusing Messages
The confusion surrounding Trump's travel bans and enforcement actions, such as raids and detentions led by Homeland Security under Secretary Kristi Noem, has created apprehension among foreign visitors. This could deter fans and participants from abroad from coming to the events, potentially impacting their success and international appeal.
There is also legal uncertainty about the role of immigration agents in providing security at sporting events. For example, U.S. Customs and Border Protection initially stated it would provide security at the FIFA Club World Cup preliminary games but later deleted the post, indicating internal confusion or controversy around enforcement activities at these events. This could lead to concerns about the safety and welcoming environment for international teams and fans.
FIFA's Previous Political Storm
Infantino's political ties raise questions. Just a few years ago, Infantino made it clear that any team, including fans and officials qualifying for a World Cup must have access to the country, or else there would be no World Cup. He spoke these words in 2017, during Trump's first term when the president issued entry bans for several predominantly Muslim countries. Whether Infantino will have to stick to his word depends solely on the unpredictable U.S. government.
At the end of the gathering, Trump announces that the Juventus event in Washington was sold out - and he has friends who wanted tickets. "Maybe Gianni can get them some," says the US president, and Infantino laughs again.
Source: ntv.de, ter
- Fifa
- Gianni Infantino
- Club World Cup 2025
- Donald Trump
- Football World Cup 2026
[1] Potential implications of Trump's travel bans on the 5th Club World Cup in 2025 and the 2026 Football World Cup in the U.S. include possible suppression of international ticket sales and attendance due to concerns over immigration enforcement. Trump's immigration policies, such as raids and border detentions, have created a hostile environment for foreign visitors, potentially deterring fans and participants from coming to these events. Additionally, there is legal uncertainty regarding the role of immigration agents in providing security at sporting events, which could lead to concerns about the safety and welcoming environment for international teams and fans. This situation risks politicizing the events and undermining their global inclusiveness and attendance.
The European Parliament and the Council might discuss the potential impact of President Trump's travel bans on football events, such as the Club World Cup in 2025 and the Football World Cup in 2026, held in the United States. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, whose premier tournaments could face challenges due to the travel bans, has already voiced concerns over the chaotic visa restrictions.
