Donald Trump continues to cause uproar. He threatens US cities and even co-hosts Mexico – under the eyes of the FIFA boss. What does that mean six months before the World Cup?
Gianni Infantino listened to the threats in the Oval Office with a slightly pained look. First Donald Trump once again attacked democratically governed World Cup cities, then the US President even opened up attacks on the co-hosts Mexico – before he turned his gaze to the FIFA boss. “Gianni”asked Trump “Can I say we are moving the event to a place where it will be valued and safe?”
Infantino replied soothingly that security “the top priority” be: “That is of course the responsibility of the government and we will of course discuss it.” However, the consequences of the appearance of the closely linked duo in the White House remained unclear around six months before the mega event.
Trump threatens – again
One thing is clear: Trump once again threatened to move World Cup games from strongholds of his political opponents if, in his opinion, crime was too high or the local leadership did not cooperate. The Republican caused a stir again, this time with the head of FIFA at his side. “If we believe there are signs of problems, I would ask Gianni to move the event to another city”said Trump. Infantino nodded cautiously.
DFB boss Bernd Neuendorf recently emphasized that FIFA “everything” will do for it, “That the games can take place safely as planned in the designated cities”. After all, there are contracts between FIFA and the cities, and the world association could face high recourse claims. And: ticket sales have long since started. However, Trump attacked Seattle after the election of Democrat Katie Wilson as the new mayor, and Los Angeles again. He had also threatened Boston before. The governors and mayors would have to “behavior”said Trump.
Infantino reacts cautiously
And Infantino? “We work together and must ensure that all fans from abroad can experience a celebration of sport”said the FIFA boss: “With 100 percent certainty.” The White House actually wanted people with World Cup tickets to travel to the USA to be given priority access to visa interviews. Especially fans from South America, the Middle East or Africa, who, unlike German fans, do not have the chance of entering the country via ESTA.
Gianni Infantino in the White House
A concession from the US government, whose goodwill Infantino is trying hard to ensure a successful tournament. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio nevertheless warned that a ticket is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the USA.
Attack on Mexico? – “That would be okay with me”
Trump followed up on this. In the fight against drugs, he did not rule out attacks against neighboring Mexico, which will host 13 World Cup games. “Would I launch an attack on Mexico to stop drugs? That would be fine with me”said Trump in response to a journalist’s question. There is in Mexico “some big problems” with the drug trade.
Infantino noted the statements. A few weeks ago, his world association announced that it wanted to introduce a so-called peace prize at the World Cup draw on December 5th in Washington. It is not yet known to whom Infantino, who unsuccessfully suggested Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, will receive it. However, clues abound.