The Unlikely Kingmaker? Trump’s Growing Influence in World Football

Donald Trump and football. It’s a peculiar pairing, right? Yet, recent developments hint at a connection far deeper than a casual fan showing up at a game. The question being asked is, could Trump actually be the most influential figure in the sport today?

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney suggests this very possibility. While it might raise eyebrows, particularly for those who see the beautiful game as separate from politics, looking closely reveals a changing landscape.
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Delaney points to Trump’s appearance at the Club World Cup final as a key moment. The reactions were, shall we say, diverse. Some players were reportedly amused, others felt it was inappropriate. This division mirrors a larger trend: sports can no longer exist in a political vacuum, if they ever did.

The upcoming likely award of FIFA’s inaugural peace prize to Trump really underscores this intersection. Apparently, even senior FIFA officials were caught off guard by the announcement, which shows how FIFA is operating. This move demonstrates the strengthening bond between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

It’s easy to dismiss this as mere optics, a flamboyant show with no real substance. But let’s consider a few things. First, FIFA, like any global organization, craves legitimacy and influence. Aligning with figures who command attention, regardless of the reasons, can serve that purpose. Second, Trump, despite his controversial past, maintains a significant following and possesses a knack for capturing headlines. This power is something organizations would want to tap into.
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Infantino’s approach has been viewed as supine and suggests the current world football stage is now being shaped around Trump.

Now, skepticism is warranted. We’ve seen powerful figures attempt to co-opt sports for their own agendas before. It rarely ends well for the sport itself. Remember Sepp Blatter? The history of FIFA is mired in controversy and scandal and Trump being involved could lead to further issues.

But there’s more to it than that. American interest in football is on the rise, especially with the upcoming 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Trump’s involvement could be seen as a play to capitalize on this growing market, bringing in viewers and sponsorship dollars. Is he merely a pawn in a larger game, or is there a mutual recognition of shared benefits?

Thinking back to my own experiences with large organizations, I’ve witnessed firsthand how decisions are often driven by a complex mix of factors: money, power, and image. It’s unlikely this situation is different. So, while I may not fully embrace the idea of Trump as the kingmaker of football, I acknowledge the dynamics at play.

That said, potential downsides exist. Alienating fans who disagree with Trump’s politics, for one. Creating a perception that FIFA is politically biased, for another. And most importantly, overshadowing the actual sport with political drama. This challenge of balancing political maneuvering with the integrity of the game will only grow over time.

The appointment also sparks debate about FIFA’s independence and whether it can truly separate sports from politics.

Still, the connection between Trump and football is something we can’t ignore. It forces us to ask uncomfortable questions about the state of the game, the role of power, and the blurred lines between sports, politics, and entertainment. And in the end, whether this unlikely alliance truly benefits the sport remains to be seen. The jury is still out on that.

It’s not about whether you support or oppose Trump; it’s about recognizing the shifting power dynamics within world football and how those shifts will shape the future of the game. We must remain vigilant about protecting the sport’s integrity from external influences, regardless of their origin. The passion of the fans and the spirit of the game deserve nothing less.

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Keywords: Trump, football, FIFA, Infantino, World Cup, politics, sports, soccer