Fifa President Gianni Infantino has long been known for his ability to unite world leaders with his relentless charm and businesslike approach, but few have guessed that one of his most powerful relationships is with US President Donald Trump. The Fifa president's friendship with the divisive leader is a peculiar one, however, as Infantino's tactics are often described as sucking up to powerful men while marginalizing those in need.
This unusual alliance raises questions about Infantino's true intentions and whether they align with his role as Fifa's global governing body. As president, Infantino has been accused of prioritising revenue over player welfare and grassroots development, which could be seen as a betrayal of the sport's core values.
Fifteen minutes after calling Trump to inform him of Fifa's plans to broadcast the World Cup globally, Infantino sat on Pennsylvania Avenue watching his beloved Inter Milan compete in the Champions League. He seems more at home among billionaires than those who struggle financially, and some have suggested that he is not the man for the job.
One thing is clear: Infantino's charm offensive towards Trump has proven highly successful. The Fifa president has been invited to attend numerous events with the US President, including a 2018 Oval Office meeting where Infantino handed him souvenir red and yellow cards jokingly suggesting they could be used on the assembled press.
As part of this partnership, Fifa stands to gain its largest revenue in history from dynamic pricing, which will make the most expensive World Cup ticket nearly five times the cost at Qatar 2022. It is a lucrative deal that prioritises profits over people's welfare.
Perhaps Infantino's close relationship with Trump and his own rise through football governance can be summed up as an example of sucking up to powerful men while marginalizing those in need. This two-pronged strategy has allowed him to accumulate power and money, but it also raises questions about whether this approach is in line with Fifa's core values.
This unusual alliance raises questions about Infantino's true intentions and whether they align with his role as Fifa's global governing body. As president, Infantino has been accused of prioritising revenue over player welfare and grassroots development, which could be seen as a betrayal of the sport's core values.
Fifteen minutes after calling Trump to inform him of Fifa's plans to broadcast the World Cup globally, Infantino sat on Pennsylvania Avenue watching his beloved Inter Milan compete in the Champions League. He seems more at home among billionaires than those who struggle financially, and some have suggested that he is not the man for the job.
One thing is clear: Infantino's charm offensive towards Trump has proven highly successful. The Fifa president has been invited to attend numerous events with the US President, including a 2018 Oval Office meeting where Infantino handed him souvenir red and yellow cards jokingly suggesting they could be used on the assembled press.
As part of this partnership, Fifa stands to gain its largest revenue in history from dynamic pricing, which will make the most expensive World Cup ticket nearly five times the cost at Qatar 2022. It is a lucrative deal that prioritises profits over people's welfare.
Perhaps Infantino's close relationship with Trump and his own rise through football governance can be summed up as an example of sucking up to powerful men while marginalizing those in need. This two-pronged strategy has allowed him to accumulate power and money, but it also raises questions about whether this approach is in line with Fifa's core values.
. He's basically just kissing up to Trump for the cash and clout, while leaving the less powerful folks high and dry 
. It's like he's playing a game of "Who can be most obsequious" with world leaders. Meanwhile, the grassroots fans are still getting shafted on ticket prices 
. I mean, come on Gianni, can't you just try to balance the books and help the people instead of lining your own pockets? 
It's like he thinks being friends with Trump is gonna make him invincible or something 
. Newsflash: it won't save you from the scrutiny when FIFA's values are called out for what they really are 
Infantino's friendship with Trump is super weird, you know? He's all charm and businesslike when he's around powerful guys like Trump, but then you find out that he's more worried about FIFA's profits than player welfare or grassroots development... 
. Infantino's trying to use charm and backroom deals to get ahead, but at what cost? The sport is supposed to be about the players, not the fat cats 
. But what about his priorities? Does he really care about the fans or is it all about lining his own pockets? It's a bit suspicious, if you ask me 
. Maybe we should be scrutinizing how our football leaders are using their power for good (or profit) instead of just giving them a free pass because they're charming 
.
!
. Infantino's gotta be hiding something behind that charming facade 
.
And what about player welfare? It feels like Infantino's more worried 'bout keepin' Trump happy than makin' sure the people who matter most in football are taken care of 
.
. Like, yeah he's got charm and all that, but when does that end? Is he just using his power to screw over the rest of us for the sake of making cash? 
I'm all for Fifa making money, but come on, not at the expense of grassroots development and player welfare 
.
. But on the other hand, it sounds like he's more interested in lining his own pockets than looking out for the players or grassroots development. I mean, who wants to watch a World Cup match that costs an arm and a leg? 
... it's all so shady. And can we talk about how Fifa is just using dynamic pricing to make more money off the fans? Like, what even is the point of the World Cup if you're just gonna charge us an arm and a leg for a ticket? 
, not for some wealthy businessman's ego. anyway, it's definitely something to think about...