TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - U.S. President Donald Trump wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to serve as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), the US media outlet New York Post reported on Tuesday, citing a source close to the American leader.
According to the source, Trump regards Infantino as a globally respected figure possessing the ability to unite nations.
However, it remains unclear whether Infantino is willing to head the international body, or whether Trump has discussed the proposal directly with him.
Incumbent UN Secretary-General António Guterres will complete his second term on December 31. To secure the role, any winning candidate must gain approval from the 15-member UN Security Council.
The proposal follows the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final at New Jersey Stadium. Trump attended the match alongside Infantino, joining the FIFA chief on the winner's podium to hand out gold medals and the trophy to the Spanish squad. Their joint presence highlighted a close rapport developed throughout the tournament, coming eight months after Infantino presented Trump with FIFA's inaugural "Peace Prize".
Despite the success, Infantino's handling of the tournament faced heavy criticism. Before kickoff, the administrator drew fire over high ticket prices and the tournament's expanded 48-team format.
Tensions escalated further when Trump pressured Infantino to overturn a red card given to American player Folarin Balogun. FIFA's subsequent decision to suspend Balogun's ban broke with standard precedent, prompting public outrage over perceived political influence before the American team ultimately lost 4-1 to Belgium.
Following the decision, several members of the European Parliament urged an investigation into Infantino, while human rights group FairSquare filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee alleging he violated political neutrality rules.
While acknowledging receiving a call from Trump regarding the Balogun incident, Infantino defended the disciplinary action, insisting FIFA’s judicial bodies remain independent.
Antara contributed to this article.
Read: Spain Won the World Cup, but Donald Trump 'Cast a Shadow'
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Trump Allows Direct US Flights to Lebanon in Historic Move
10 jam lalu
It comes over 40 years after the US suspended the direct route with Lebanon. The announcement was made after Trump met with Lebanon's Joseph Aoun.
Trump Ordered to Release Financial Records in US$10 Billion BBC Defamation Case
12 jam lalu
US federal judge orders Trump to disclose financial records linked to his business empire as part of his US$10 billion defamation lawsuit against BBC.
Spain Won the World Cup, but Donald Trump 'Cast a Shadow'
1 hari lalu
Though Donald Trump mostly stayed clear of stadiums, the World Cup may influence the US midterm elections.
Trump Responds to Calls for Netanyahu's Arrest in New York
1 hari lalu
Trump said Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu would not face arrest if he visits the United States.
Taking Stock of 2026 World Cup: Football's Biggest Show Yet
2 hari lalu
From a worthy champion to security concerns and surprises, what will we remember about the biggest World Cup yet?
Diplomatic Exchanges with US Ongoing Despite Strikes, Iran Says
2 hari lalu
Earlier, the US military hit Iranian military coastal surveillance and air defense facilities in the ninth round of strikes.
Two U.S. Troops Killed in Iranian Strike on Jordan Military Base
3 hari lalu
In response, President Donald Trump ordered retaliatory airstrikes against Iran on Saturday evening.
Trump Demands Canada Pay for Wildfire Smoke via Tariffs
4 hari lalu
US President Donald Trump proposes including the cost of air pollution from Canadian wildfires in import tariffs.
Canada Wildfires: Smoke Choking Major US Cities
4 hari lalu
Trump has blamed Canada for the wildfires and their impact on the US, threatening extra tariffs on the US neighbor.
5 Key Takeaways From Trump's Speech on Election Integrity
5 hari lalu
Here are the key takeaways from Donald Trump's speech on election integrity, foreign interference claims, and renewed calls for voting reforms.
