Has FIFA fallen into Trump's political trap?

by Ryan Baxter

The Club World Cup has taken criticism as it appears to be a tool for the promotion of Trumps propaganda. Gianni Infantino visited the White House as President Trumps guest where the U.S president was introduced to the brand-new trophy for the competition. Miguel Delaney from the independent said “It doesn’t seem too much of a stretch given how Infantino nodded along and said yes as Trump absurdly about trade wars”. Apparently, those within FIFA are expressing that Infantino was only being polite guest of President Trump. Delaney says, “FIFA is losing its dignity as Infantino bows to Trumps Maga World Cup dream”. According to FIFA.com Donald Trump signed an executive order for the creation of a task force which the U.S president will head himself. Trumps coordination with federal agencies to plan and execute the hosting tournaments which will change the face of world football. Paul MacInnes from the Guardian describes the new trophy as “The enormous intricate bauble that will serve as the trophy for FIFAs Club World Cup”. MacInnes added that its no surprise Trump “should like the look of an object lacquered in 24-carat gold plating and designed by the New York jeweller Tiffany & Co”.

The picture shows the brand-new FIFA Club World Cup trophy being presented to Donald Trump, this golden shiny prize will be handed over to winners of the tournament on 13th July in New York New Jersey.

Donald Trump’s announcement of the task force from the White House alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump said “We’re going to be establishing a task force, a very important task force”. The task force is formed of Executive departments and agencies that will coordinate and be responsible for the organisation of the event as Trump wants to build international relations. Trump also said the task force will coordinate the 2026 world cup as well Trump added “It’s going to be the biggest event, I think”. Donald Trumps task force will have to report back to the President throughout the organisation of both events.

President Trump is keen to oversee the planning of the major tournaments in the U.S as its likely that they will be used for Trumps propaganda. The prestigious events will gain international interest attracting spectators from around the globe this where the U.S President will aim to show the American greatness whatever that maybe, however, the order of the task force shows the importance of Trumps commitment to national pride, hospitality and economic opportunity through sports tourism revealing his desire for success. Trumps political strategy involves boosting the U.S economy as the FIFA club world cup 2025 and world cup 2026 is anticipated to have an impact of $40 Billion USD and create 200,000 jobs.

President Trump was asked whether he would attend any of the matches during the FIFA Club World Cup “I would like to go to, certainly, more than one”, so it appears the American president has a real interest in the tournament and that there’s genuine desire for success. Donald Trump is committed to the success of the tournament but is this for the love of football or just another political ego boost.