Trump Reportedly Seeks to Push FIFA President for Next UN Secretary-General

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly wants to position FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with whom he shares a close relationship, as the next United Nations Secretary-General, the U.S. newspaper New York Post reported on the 21st (local time).

An associate close to President Trump shared this plan with the New York Post, stating, "The President believes Infantino is a globally respected figure with a special ability to bring people together."

Paolo Zampolli, a special envoy for global partnerships under President Trump who is also acquainted with Infantino, told the New York Post, "The roles of FIFA president and UN secretary-general share certain similarities," adding, "This is a stroke of genius that only the President could come up with."

However, he added that he had no prior knowledge of this idea.

The New York Post reported that it remains unconfirmed whether Infantino himself desires the UN secretary-general position.

Infantino is known to be eyeing a fourth term as FIFA president.

The practical hurdles for election are also high.

For Infantino to assume office as UN secretary-general, he would need to secure the backing of the 15-member UN Security Council—including its five permanent members holding veto power—and gain approval from the UN General Assembly.

Infantino has maintained a close relationship with President Trump, including presenting him with the inaugural "FIFA Peace Prize" during preparations for the 2026 North American World Cup.

Controversy arose when President Trump directly called Infantino to demand a review of a red card issued to a U.S. national team player during a World Cup match, which would have barred the player from the Round of 16, a request that was subsequently accommodated.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.