Astead Herndon

There was no point where Infantino publicly distanced himself from Trump.

He played a pretty judicious game where he kind of, either because he liked Trump or because he was a smart political animal and recognised that there was a chance he might have to work with him again.

He stayed close.

You know, he went to Mar-a-Lago.

Yeah.

He maintained that relationship.

And actually, there was a pretty memorable moment at Davos.

This was when I think Trump was still in power, but it was the week where the ground rules were being laid for the Senate's, I think, the first impeachment hearing.

And it was around that time, and Infantino actually introduced Trump to speak at Davos and spoke about him in these glowing terms, described him as a fighter, almost like a gladiator, compared him to one of the great soccer players.

And I think Trump, you know, whatever people think of him, he's clearly someone who remembers those who are loyal to him and doesn't like those who turn on him.

And when Trump was then out of office, FIFA found it really difficult to penetrate the White House.

You know, there was no picture with Joe Biden in the Oval Office.

There was no even visit to the Oval Office for Infantino during that time.

And FIFA were finding it hard to get stuff done during that period.

And then when Trump wins power last November, Infantino is immediately on the front foot.

I mean, like on Instagram every other day, praising Trump, what a fantastic victory.

He went to his pre-inauguration rally and Trump would like keep name checking him.

at these events.

He's big stuff.

And it was pretty odd.