Donald Trump has proposed Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, for the position of United Nations Secretary-General, according to reports from the White House. The nomination comes as António Guterres prepares to step down from his role in December, creating an opening at the helm of the global organisation. Trump's special envoy for global partnerships, Paolo Zampolli, praised Infantino's leadership qualities, suggesting he would bring the same energy to the UN that he has displayed in football administration.
The 56-year-old Swiss lawyer has already signalled his intention to pursue a third term as FIFA president, but Trump's proposal represents a significant pivot toward international diplomacy. Zampolli told the Washington Post that Infantino is "loved by everyone" and would excel in uniting people across nations. However, the path to the UN's top job is far from certain. Infantino would need approval from the United Nations Security Council and endorsement from the General Assembly, while competing against other candidates including former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and Argentine official Rafael Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Financial Trade-Off and Controversy
The financial implications are substantial. Infantino currently earns approximately 6 million dollars annually at FIFA, a figure that would plummet to just 418,000 dollars as UN Secretary-General. This dramatic salary reduction may influence his decision to pursue the opportunity.
Infantino's relationship with Trump solidified during the 2026 FIFA World Cup planning process, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament, which concluded recently, saw Trump present medals and the trophy alongside Infantino at the awards ceremony. Yet the FIFA president faced significant backlash over the World Cup's controversial 48-team expansion and inflated ticket pricing.
Credibility Concerns
The relationship between Trump and Infantino became strained when Trump pressured FIFA to overturn a red card issued to United States national team player Folarin Balogun. FIFA's decision to suspend the ban rather than enforce standard protocol drew widespread criticism and raised questions about the organisation's integrity. The controversy damaged FIFA's credibility at a time when it should have been celebrating the expanded tournament format. As sport governance becomes increasingly scrutinised globally, Infantino's track record at FIFA will likely influence whether world powers view him as suitable for the UN's top diplomatic position.
