Trump wants FIFA President Infantino considered for UN Secretary General role

Trump wants FIFA President Infantino considered for UN Secretary General role
Trump wants FIFA President Infantino considered for UN Secretary General role - US President Donald Trump (left) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino pose with the World Cup trophy at the White House. (Photo: X/FIFA)
US President Donald Trump (left) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino pose with the World Cup trophy at the White House. (Photo: X/FIFA)

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Trump's reported interest in Infantino comes amid a strained relationship between his administration and the UN. The US president has repeatedly criticised the organisation, arguing that it has failed to respond effectively to major global conflicts and has reduced US involvement in several UN-related institutions.

United States President Donald Trump reportedly wants FIFA President Gianni Infantino to be considered for the position of United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, potentially reshaping the race to lead the global body when António Guterres steps down in December.
Infantino, who has led world football's governing body since 2016, would need to overcome a complex diplomatic process to secure the role.
The next UN secretary-general must first win the backing of the Security Council before being confirmed by the General Assembly, meaning support from major powers will be crucial.

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According to the New York Post, Trump believes Infantino's global profile and relationships with leaders around the world make him a strong candidate for the position.
The report cited sources close to the US president who said Trump sees the FIFA chief as someone capable of bringing countries together.
It is unclear whether Infantino is interested in pursuing the UN role or whether Trump has formally discussed the possibility with him.

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Infantino is currently focused on FIFA, where he has announced plans to seek another term as president in elections scheduled for March 2027.
The possible entry of Infantino would introduce an unexpected figure into a race that has largely centred on diplomats and political leaders.
Several candidates are already being considered, including former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and Argentinian Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Bachelet could face opposition from Washington because of her political positions, while Grossi's candidacy could encounter resistance from Britain over tensions linked to Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands.
The race has also been shaped by expectations that the next secretary-general could come from Latin America or the Caribbean, a region that has not produced the UN chief since Peru's Javier Pérez de Cuéllar left office in 1991.
Although regional balance often influences the selection process, it is not a formal requirement. The Security Council's five permanent members, the US, China, Russia, France and Britain, have veto power, making their support a key factor before any candidate reaches the General Assembly.
Trump's reported interest in Infantino comes amid a strained relationship between his administration and the UN. The US president has repeatedly criticised the organisation, arguing that it has failed to respond effectively to major global conflicts and has reduced US involvement in several UN-related institutions.

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