World Cup
Trump may Break Old World Cup Tradition
Collected Photo
Former US President Donald Trump has been granted permission to participate in the World Cup trophy presentation ceremony. However, the final could see a repeat of his controversial role from last year’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Under tradition, the World Cup trophy is usually presented by the FIFA President and top officials. Heads of state or special guests are typically not seen on the award stage. However, this time, the tradition may be broken in the United States, where the tournament is being hosted.
According to sources, FIFA will leave the decision on whether Trump attends the trophy ceremony to him. If he chooses to take part and present the trophy himself, FIFA is unlikely to object. The White House expects him to join the team celebrations again this time. Representatives from Mexico and Canada are also expected to be invited to the closing ceremony.
The United States, which is hosting most of this summer’s World Cup matches, also hosted last year’s Club World Cup, where Chelsea lifted the title. During the trophy presentation, Trump handed the trophy to captain Reece James and then remained on stage to join the celebrations.
According to a TalkSport report, a repeat of such an incident this time would not be opposed by FIFA, even though it goes completely against tradition. FIFA rules usually require the trophy to be placed on a special stand before a team member brings it onto the main stage.
After Chelsea defeated PSG at MetLife Stadium to win the title last year, the ceremony appeared somewhat awkward, with much of the moment captured on camera. Cole Palmer, who scored twice in the final, said, “I knew he would be there, but I didn’t know he would stay on stage when the trophy was lifted. It confused me a bit.”
Captain Reece James also admitted he was surprised by the incident, saying, “I was told he would present the trophy and leave the stage. But he stayed.”
Trump was not seen at the match where the United States defeated Paraguay 4–1 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. White House Executive Director Andrew Giuliani said his absence was due to a busy schedule.
