Donald Trump is eyeing Gianni Infantino for one of the most prestigious roles in international diplomacy. As reported by the New York Post, the U.S. President is inclined to support the current head of FIFA as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, with the term of Portuguese António Guterres set to conclude by the end of the year.
The idea, which currently lacks official confirmation from either Washington or the Swiss executive's team, fits into a growing rapport between Trump and Infantino, strengthened over recent months during major FIFA-organized soccer events.
The 56-year-old president of the international federation has often been in the spotlight for his closeness to the American leader. Notable incidents include the establishment of the "FIFA Peace Award," given to Trump last December after he was not awarded the Nobel Prize. More recently, during the World Cup, Infantino received a call from the U.S. President regarding the suspension of American forward Folarin Balogun, which was later lifted before the knockout match against Belgium.
According to sources cited by the U.S. newspaper, Trump considers Infantino a figure capable of engaging with governments and institutions worldwide, attributing to him mediation skills and a recognized ability to build international consensus. These qualities, in the American President's view, make him a potential successor to Guterres at the helm of the United Nations.
The path to nomination, however, remains complex. The UN Secretary-General is appointed by the Security Council, requiring the approval of its fifteen members, including the five permanent ones with veto power, before subsequent approval by the General Assembly.
Further complicating the scenario is the diplomatic tradition that, according to the principle of geographical rotation, should favor a candidate from Latin America or the Caribbean this time, possibly a woman. Among the leading candidates are former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet and the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Argentine Rafael Grossi.
It is unknown whether Infantino is genuinely interested in a potential UN role or if there have been direct contacts with the White House regarding this prospect. However, the rumor has already sparked debate in diplomatic and political circles.
Among the supporters of the idea is Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-American businessman and diplomat, currently the U.S. Special Representative for Global Partnerships, who described Infantino as an "internationally appreciated" figure suitable for such a significant role.
(Associated Medias) - All rights reserved