Trump Reportedly Floats FIFA President Infantino as Next UN Chief
Gianni Infantino would be a better UN Secretary-General than other «lame» contenders, as he could leverage his reputation to bring the non-football world together, US media reported.
Now that FIFA managed to hold the 2026 World Cup across three different countries, Donald Trump believes the world «recognises he has a special ability to bring people together,» Fox News reported, citing an unnamed source of The New York Post.
Trump allegedly said Infantino is «respected by everyone around the world,» and would be best placed to lead the United Nations than other «lame» candidates such as former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, Ecuadorian foreign minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa or the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi.
The US president’s unconventional suggestion might be acted on by his administration, the report indicates.
«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,» Paolo Zampolli, Trump’s special representative for global partnerships, told the outlet.
Every UN member can nominate its respective candidate, but electing the UN Secretary-General requires a nominee to secure a recommendation of at least 9 votes in the 15-member Security Council with no vetoes from any of the five permanent members.
The current Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, will conclude his second term on December 31, 2026. His successor is expected to take office on January 1, 2027.
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