According to a British report that should surprise nobody, President Donald Trump has been given the option to break tradition and give the World Cup trophy to the eventual champion while remaining to celebrate. Word is that the president will exercise that option.
All that comes via talkSPORT punctuated by the provocative headline, “Donald Trump expected to break major FIFA protocol in potentially awkward World Cup moment.”
While it is not uncommon for the leader of a World Cup host country to take part in trophy ceremonies, they usually let players have the spotlight to themselves for the trophy lift, Yahoo previously reported. Sources told the publication that FIFA was letting Trump decide whether he wanted to stay with the team during the trophy lift or be stationed with other executives and dignitaries.
“White House insiders” say Trump will choose the former, just as he did during the FIFA Club World Cup last summer, according to talkSPORT. Trump not only remained on stage at the Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium when he gave the trophy to Chelsea Captain Reece James, he stayed by his side for a bit and did a little dance as well.
Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have developed a chummy relationship. Infantino even presented Trump with a consolation peace prize in December after Trump did not win the Nobel Peace Prize.
The World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. HuffPost has reached out to The White House and FIFA for comment.
