Former President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to succeed António Guterres as the next United Nations Secretary-General, according to a report.
Trump views Infantino as a figure respected worldwide, possessing a unique talent for bringing people together, a source close to the former president told The Post. Infantino, 56, has cultivated a relationship with Trump, notably during the organization of this year's World Cup, which included presenting Trump with FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize in December.
The selection process for the new UN Secretary-General is underway, with the position opening at the end of December. To secure the role, a candidate must first gain endorsement from the 15-member Security Council, where the five permanent members hold veto power, and then be confirmed by the General Assembly.
It remains unclear whether Infantino himself is interested in the position or the extent to which Trump has discussed this possibility with him. However, Trump perceives an opportunity within a field of candidates he considers uninspired.
Potential contenders mentioned include former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, who could face opposition from the U.S., and Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, who might encounter British concerns regarding the Falkland Islands. Trump's interest in Infantino could diverge from the typical regional rotation, which has historically favored candidates from Latin America or the Caribbean.
Paolo Zampolli, an Italian-American businessman and diplomat who serves as Trump's special envoy for global partnerships, lauded the idea, describing Infantino as well-liked and capable of revitalizing the UN's bureaucracy. Zampolli drew parallels between managing FIFA's over 200 member nations and the UN's 193 member states, citing Infantino's track record.
Trump has previously voiced criticism regarding the UN's effectiveness in mediating global conflicts. His administration also reduced U.S. contributions to the UN and withdrew from several of its affiliated organizations, including the World Health Organization and UNESCO. Installing Infantino could potentially alter this relationship.
However, the role of UN Secretary-General comes with a significantly lower salary. Infantino, who earns approximately $6 million annually as FIFA President and is seeking re-election in March, would face a substantial pay cut, as the UN Secretary-General's compensation is reportedly around $418,000.
Infantino has not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the UN opening. He has declared his candidacy for FIFA president, with that election scheduled for next March. Despite widespread endorsements for his FIFA re-election, Infantino has faced criticism, including backlash over Trump's intervention to overturn a suspension for a U.S. player during the World Cup.