Trump Weighs Backing FIFA Boss as Next UN Chief

US President Donald Trump is considering endorsing FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the position of the next UN secretary-general. The New York Post reported the news.

Trump sees the 56-year-old Swiss national as a leader capable of bringing people together and injecting new energy into the diplomatic arena. The two developed a close relationship during the organization of this year's World Cup, and Infantino presented Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize in December.

The new secretary-general will replace António Guterres, whose term ends in December.

Securing the position requires support from the 15-member UN Security Council and approval by the UN General Assembly. Trump's move would bypass the established regional rotation rule, under which the next secretary-general is expected to come from Latin America or the Caribbean. Candidates from the region include Michelle Bachelet and Rafael Grossi.

Trump's special envoy, Paolo Zampolli, welcomed the idea, saying that leading FIFA, which has more than 200 members, is excellent preparation for engaging with the UN's 193 member states. Infantino has not yet commented officially on a possible candidacy.

(max)