How President Trump has turned sport into political leverage
As the final whistle blew, Chelsea became the Club World Cup victors. To celebrate their victory, a ceremony was held in New York after the game ended. President Donald Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino in handing out medals to everyone who participated in the match. As the awards ceremony came to a close, the Chelsea squad prepared to lift their trophy in triumph. However, President Trump stayed on the platform where the medals were being handed out even while Infantino tried to lead him off. Trump’s resistance illustrated his constant need to be at the center of attention, taking the attention away from a sports team and their win that he had nothing to do with. His actions apply in global politics, too. No matter what, he must be at the center of attention.
The World Cup is coming to North America in 2026 for the first time since 1996, and with that comes a lot of responsibility placed on the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With Trump’s recent threats to annex Greenland and to impose steep tariffs on at least eight European countries, many in Denmark have called to boycott the World Cup. A member of the German Bundestag (National Parliament), Roderich Kiesewetter, said that if Trump follows through with his threats about Greenland and a trade war ensues, then European countries most likely will not participate in the World Cup. Instead of being about showcasing the beautiful game that brings people together, the World Cup is becoming a political football used in a game between politicians.
Trump has also threatened to take away games from certain cities, including Boston, after Pro-Palestinian protesters took over streets in early October, which led to several injuries among policemen and several arrests. Conventionally, the president of a country hosting the tournament would not have the power to change the location of games, but Trump stated that if he told FIFA to move a match, they would comply.
Trump clearly holds power over FIFA, and it was seen when Infantino gave Trump the first FIFA Peace Prize, which is a newly created award this year with its first winner being President Trump. Infantino said to Trump that it was on behalf of all the viewers of the World Cup, yet questions still remain over who decides who wins this controversial award. Infantino clearly offered this award to get on Trump’s good side. President Trump has done anything but stay in line with the awards values: he ordered the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, along with his wife, and threatened to annex Greenland. Repeatedly, Trump has showcased the opposite actions of someone who would win a “peace” award. Multiple senior FIFA officials expressed it is a “deep embarrassment.”
The World Cup will be a monumental occasion. Hopefully, it will bring people from different countries together to be able to watch the Beautiful Game. Instead of prioritizing peace and preparing the country for the long awaited event, the president has turned the World Cup into a political tool.
