World football governing body FIFA has boosted its ties with U.S. President Donald Trump by opening an office in New York’s Trump Tower.
The move comes a year ahead of the men’s World Cup — which is being hosted across North America — and a year after FIFA opened an office in Miami.
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino on Tuesday thanked Trump, whom he described as “a big fan of soccer,” as well as the president’s son, Eric, for their “big support.”
Eric Trump joined Infantino and Brazilian football legend Ronaldo as they announced the trophy for the Club World Cup would be on display at Trump Tower until the competition’s final, at nearby MetLife Stadium, on Sunday.
Infantino has visited the White House and the president’s Florida base Mar-a-Lago on multiple occasions this year, as he seeks to build a relationship that will allow the 2026 World Cup to be a success, not tarnished by Trump’s controversial politics.
But the ties between FIFA and the American government have attracted criticism. In May, a top human rights organization said it had “grave concerns” about the Trump administration’s border policies affecting the tournament.
A country-wide immigration crackdown has sparked fears that some fans risk not being able to travel freely to the World Cup.
Human Rights Watch urged Infantino to be “prepared to reconsider the hosting decision” if the safety of fans and players can’t be guaranteed, according to a letter seen by POLITICO in May.
However, Infantino has dismissed concerns that the Trump administration’s tough border policies would wreak havoc on the tournament.
Andrew Giuliani, who leads a task force on World Cup preparation for the White House, told POLITICO last month that “the largest World Cup in history will be both secure and welcoming.”
Trump appears to be embracing his role in bringing the World Cup to the U.S. In the spring, when the White House issued a ban clamping down on travelers from 19 countries, Trump included a specific carveout for international athletes, coaches and support staff attending the World Cup, Olympics and other high-profile sporting competitions.
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