NEW YORK — FIFA president Gianni Infantino skipped his planned appearance at a star-studded World Cup fan event at Fanatics Fest to celebrate the tournament with his friend, U.S. President Donald Trump.
FIFA held an event on Friday evening at Trump Tower where Infantino and Trump lauded the World Cup and each other. During the event, Trump said he wants the U.S. to host another World Cup, but this time “without Mexico and Canada.” He also praised Infantino for making “yet another of his many good decisions” by FIFA reversing Folarin Balogun’s red card.
“You don’t need people to compliment you, Mr. President, but this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you,” Infantino said. Infantino, who gave Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, has been accused by soccer leaders of showing favoritism to the U.S. president.
FIFA is on a media blitz in New York City ahead of Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The governing body has a major presence at Fanatics Fest, the flagship event for its partner in collectibles, retail, and prediction markets.
Infantino had originally been slated to appear at a fan event at Fanatics Fest on Friday night that featured Spain and Argentina’s coaches and players, including superstar Lionel Messi.
