Donald Trump likely to present FIFA World Cup trophy to winning captain
New York, June 16
US President Donald Trump has been granted permission to take part in the World Cup trophy presentation, following his involvement in a similar role at the Club World Cup.
talkSPORT reported that FIFA has no objection to Trump handing the World Cup trophy directly to the winning captain and remaining on the podium during celebrations.
The US president has already been informed that FIFA would like him to present the trophy to the tournament winners. Officials from Mexico and Canada are also expected to be invited to attend the closing ceremony.
Trump drew attention at the Club World Cup when he remained on the podium beside Chelsea captain Reece James as he lifted the trophy.
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer appeared visibly puzzled, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino initially appeared to guide Trump away before later encouraging him to stay.
Under standard FIFA protocol, the World Cup trophy is typically placed on a plinth and carried by the winning team onto the stage for the presentation ceremony.
Sources indicate that FIFA will ultimately leave it to Trump's discretion whether he remains with the winning team during the trophy lift or stands alongside officials during the ceremony, as per talkSPORT.
As per talkSPORT, Trump has been given a license to join the World Cup winners in their trophy lift, as he did at the Club World Cup.
Trump did not attend the USMNT's opening victory over Paraguay due to a scheduling conflict, but is expected to be present at the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, as an Indian watching this, it's kinda funny how FIFA is bending rules for a US President. We've seen our own PMs do similar stuff at tournaments. At least Trump loves football - or should I say soccer? 😉 The real question is: will this make Americans care more about the World Cup?
Bro, this is just politics getting in the way of sports. The World Cup trophy presentation is sacred - it's not a photo op for world leaders. I remember when they let Modi wave the hockey stick at the Hockey World Cup - same energy. Leave the celebrations to the players, yaar! 🙄
As an American living abroad in India, I can see both sides. Trump is controversial, but having the US president present the trophy is a big deal for promoting soccer in America. India could use similar visibility for cricket! Also, Cole Palmer's confused face was gold 😂
Why does FIFA keep letting political figures hijack these moments? Remember when they let Putin do stuff at the 2018 World Cup? Now Trump. It's a slippery slope. Just let the captain lift the trophy without distractions. Indian fans deserve better from global sports bodies too. 🏆
All the haters in the comments... Trump is the US President during a World Cup hosted in the US. It makes sense he'd be involved. India should learn from this - we need our leaders to promote sports more. But yeah, don't hog the limelight from the players, bhai! 😅
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