Gianni Infantino, the president of world football’s governing body FIFA, is being pushed by Donald Trump to become the next secretary-general of the United Nations, according to reports in the United States.
With Antonio Guterres due to step down in December, the former US president is said to believe the 56-year-old Swiss-Italian lawyer could move directly from running global football to taking charge of the UN – one of the most powerful political roles in the world.
A source familiar with discussions inside the White House told the New York Post that Trump thinks Infantino is “respected by everyone all over the world, and realises that he has a special ability to bring people together”.
Infantino has already made clear that he intends to stand for a third term as FIFA president and has so far declined to comment on Trump’s apparent plan. Any candidacy for the UN post would need to secure the backing of the UN Security Council and then be approved by the General Assembly.
‘Only Trump would have such a genius idea’
Paolo Zampolli, the US president’s special envoy for global partnerships, confirmed to the Washington Post that Trump is personally driving the idea of Infantino as a candidate to lead the UN.
He said: “President Trump alone is the only one who could come up with a brilliant idea like this,” in reference to proposing the FIFA president for the secretary-generalship.
Zampolli added that Infantino “will do a great job” and agreed that he is “beloved by everyone”, arguing that the FIFA chief would bring the same energy he has displayed in football administration to the diplomatic arena.
He also suggested there was “some similarity” between the roles of FIFA president and UN secretary-general, both of which involve managing complex global coalitions, competing interests and issues that cross national borders.
Powerful rivals and a major pay cut
Even if Infantino chose to pursue the UN position, he would face competition from heavyweight international figures.
Among those mentioned as potential contenders are former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and Rafael Grossi of Argentina, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Moving to the UN would also mean a drastic reduction in income. Infantino is reported to earn around $6m (£4.7m) a year at FIFA. The UN secretary-general’s annual salary is about $418,000 (£325,000).
Trump–Infantino ties strengthened at World Cup
The relationship between Trump and Infantino has deepened during the staging of the men’s World Cup hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, which concluded on Sunday.
Trump joined Infantino on the podium for the medal and trophy presentation to the victorious Spain players, even stepping onto the winners’ platform alongside the FIFA president.
Infantino’s stewardship of the tournament, however, was surrounded by controversy. He faced intense criticism before a ball had been kicked over what many saw as an overblown expansion to 48 teams, sharply increased ticket prices and a series of other organisational and commercial decisions.
Red card intervention sparks outrage
Trump’s involvement in World Cup matters reportedly went far beyond ceremonial duties.
According to US media, he personally pressured Infantino to overturn a red card shown to United States forward Folarin Balogun – a dismissal that would have ruled the striker out of a crucial knockout match against Belgium.
FIFA’s decision to allow Balogun to play by suspending his ban was widely condemned as a breach of all precedent. The move triggered significant anger and further eroded trust in the organisation’s disciplinary processes.
On the pitch, the decision made little difference. Belgium, nicknamed the Red Devils, ran out 4-1 winners and appeared to mock Trump’s trademark gestures in their post-match celebrations.
Infantino yet to show his hand
For now, Infantino remains focused publicly on his FIFA future, where he has stated he aims to secure a third term at the helm of world football.
Whether he is prepared to trade Zurich for New York and swap overseeing the global game for the UN’s top diplomatic job – at the urging of one of the world’s most polarising political figures – remains an open question.
