In the run-up to a change in leadership at the United Nations, the focus of world politicians has shifted not only to the diplomatic establishment but also to the sports elite. US President Donald Trump is considering FIFA President Gianni Infantino as a potential candidate for the position of UN Secretary-General.

This information appeared in The New York Post, as cited by RBC-Ukraine. According to the source, the idea of appointing the head of world football to one of the most influential positions in the world arose in the American leader during preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Personal contact and reputation

Relations between Trump and Infantino, according to reports, have strengthened significantly during their joint work on organizing the main football tournament of the future. Donald Trump highly rates the abilities of the Swiss functionary, noting his ability to unite people and enjoy authority on a global scale.

For Trump, a key factor was Infantino's ability to work with various countries and cultures, which is a critically important skill for the head of an international organization. In a situation where the UN needs a leader capable of finding compromises, the figure of the FIFA president looks attractive.

Political context and procedure

Incumbent UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will leave office at the end of December. The process of selecting a new head of the organization must be completed this year. The appointment procedure is complex and requires passing several stages:

  • The candidate must receive the support of the UN Security Council, where the five permanent members (USA, Russia, China, UK, France) have the right of veto.
  • Then the candidacy is subject to approval by the UN General Assembly.

Thus, even with the support of the US President, the appointment of Infantino will require complex diplomatic maneuvering and coordination of the interests of world powers.

Infantino's plans and the football agenda

Despite the interest from Washington, it remains unknown whether Gianni Infantino himself is considering the possibility of changing his field of activity. The New York Post emphasizes that there is no confirmed data on whether he has discussed this issue with Trump.

The main focus of the FIFA president is currently shifting to the internal affairs of the organization. Infantino intends to run for re-election as head of FIFA. The elections are scheduled for March of next year.

In his football program, Infantino previously announced plans to expand the format of the World Cup. He is considering the possibility of increasing the number of participants in the tournament to 64 teams, explaining this by the desire to give more countries in the world a chance to perform on the main stage. For now, sporting ambition remains his top priority, and the question of moving into "big politics" remains in the zone of uncertainty.