Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, paid Donald Trump a surprise visit in 2018 and presented him with an enormous red card that he joked he could use to “wake someone out whenever you want to kick someone out.”
Trump flashed the card quickly to the assembled press corps, a gesture that perfectly exemplifies his frequently conflicted relationship with the media.
What appeared to be the opening act of one of the most contentious alliances in sport would be a playful exchange between the US leader and the head of world football.
Trump and Infantino’s blossoming bromance will once again be seen in full force at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington on Friday.
Since making his first trip to the Oval Office seven years ago, Infantino has been a regular visitor, consistently applauding Trump’s leadership as the World Cup, which will be hosted by Canada and Mexico, approaches.
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Infantino compared the US leader’s character to that of elite athletes at a 2020 dinner in Davos during the World Economic Forum.
“I have the good fortune to have encountered some of the most talented soccer players.” Additionally, Infantino claimed that President Trump is made of the same type of material.
‘Mutual interest ‘,  
Infantino has a pragmatist foundation, in part, in his desire to establish a close relationship with Trump.
It’s just good practice to form strong ties with Washington as the country prepares to face the logistical difficulties of hosting the majority of games for an expanded 48-team World Cup.
Gianni has a very close relationship with Trump, according to John Zerafa, a seasoned sports communications strategist in the UK, who is leveraging that to make 2026 work.
However, many critics have questioned whether Infantino’s relationship with Trump has crossed a line between rough riding over the frequently ambiguous line between sport and politics.
Infantino has appeared alongside Trump on the political stage in addition to his frequent trips to Washington.
Infantino raised eyebrows in October when he spoke at the US leader’s meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh, where he co-chaired discussions with other world leaders, at Trump’s invitation.
Infantino continued, “President Trump’s role has been absolutely crucial and fundamental in the process.” There wouldn’t be peace without President Trump.
Infantino’s remarks and presence at the summit were described as “deeply troubling,” according to FairSquare’s Nick McGeehan.
Infantino claimed that it had placed FIFA “firmly in the corner” of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that it had abandoned all pretenses of the political neutrality that FIFA endorsed and was legally committed to upholding.
A Trump “Peace Prize,”  ?
After speaking out against the Trump administration’s policy agenda with Trump at the America Business Forum in Miami last month, Infantino was once again met with criticism.
Trump simply goes by what he promised to do, Infantino told the audience. “I believe we all should support what he’s doing because I think it looks pretty good,” he said.
Infantino’s remarks were in violation of FIFA’s statutes, according to former FIFA governance chief Miguel Maduro.
FIFA’s president can declare that the results of elections should be respected. Infantino went above and beyond, Maduro told The Athletic.
He is participating in what the US has known as an internal political debate.
Infantino, however, has not shown any signs of being dissuaded by the criticism.
FIFA announced plans for a new FIFA Peace Prize, which will be awarded at Friday’s drawing at the Kennedy Center in Washington, the day Infantino spoke in Miami.
It is crucial to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of those who work hard to end conflicts and unite people in a spirit of peace, according to Infantino in a statement.
Source: Channels TV
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