International Desk — U.S. President Donald Trump is highly interested in nominating FIFA President Gianni Infantino as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, according to a report by the American media outlet New York Post.
A source close to the Trump administration revealed that the U.S. President views the 56-year-old Swiss-born football executive as a globally respected figure with a unique ability to foster unity across diverse nations.
A Growing Alliance
The connection between the two leaders reportedly strengthened significantly during the recent World Cup, where Infantino spent considerable time with Trump.
During the tournament, Infantino also presented the U.S. President with FIFA’s inaugural “Peace Prize.”
The mandate of the current UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is nearing its end. The next chief will assume office on January 1, 2027, for a five-year term.
The Road to the UN Leadership
Securing the top job at the United Nations is a complex diplomatic hurdle. According to Article 97 of the UN Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.
To win the nomination, a candidate must first secure the backing of the 15-member Security Council. Crucially, a veto from any of the five permanent members—the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom—can instantly disqualify an aspirant.
Following the Security Council’s recommendation, the appointment must be finalized by a vote in the General Assembly.
Trump’s Tense History with the UN
Trump’s potential push for a non-traditional candidate like Infantino aligns with his long-standing skepticism toward the global body.
Throughout his political career, Trump has been heavily critical of the UN’s effectiveness in managing major international conflicts.
Since returning to power for his second presidential term, Trump has significantly slashed U.S. funding to the United Nations.
Furthermore, his administration has withdrawn the United States from several UN-affiliated agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), underscoring his desire to disrupt conventional global governance structures.
While a formal nomination has yet to be officially announced, Trump’s backing of the FIFA boss signals a potential shift toward bringing corporate and sports diplomacy into the geopolitical arena.
However, whether Infantino can successfully navigate the intense geopolitical rivalries within the UN Security Council remains a major question mark.