Trump wants to make Infantino the next UN Secretary-General

US President Donald Trump wants to see FIFA President Gianni Infantino as the next UN Secretary-General. This is what the New York Post reported.

The Swiss-born Infantino has developed a close relationship with Trump through the organization of this year's World Cup. The 56-year-old football official has done a lot to keep Trump happy and connected to the World Cup. He even gave him FIFA's first peace prize last December.

A source close to Trump told the New York Post that Trump believes Infantino is "respected by everyone around the world and has a special ability to bring people together."

Portugal's Antonio Guterres is retiring this year. His term ends at the end of December. A new Secretary-General will be elected in his place this year.

To get the post, Infantino must first get the approval of the 15-member Security Council. The five permanent members of the council have veto power. Then the General Assembly will also need approval.

It is not clear whether Infantino himself wants the position. It is also not known how much Trump has discussed the matter with him.

However, Trump believes there is an opportunity here. A close source said that Trump considers the other seven candidates to be “weak”.

Among the candidates is former socialist President of Chile Michelle Bachelet, who could face opposition from the United States. There is also Argentina’s Rafael Grossi, who is currently director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The United Kingdom, which has veto power due to the dispute over the Falkland Islands, could object to him.

If Trump’s plan is implemented, it will break the traditional pattern of selecting candidates from Latin America or the Caribbean. The last secretary-general from this region was Javier Pérez de Cuerva of Peru, who served from 1982 to 1991.

However, several sources said that the flexible policy of the UN, which rotates the position according to geographical region, will not stand in the way of Infantino. Rather, he could receive nominations from multiple countries.

Trump's special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the New York Post, "Only President Trump could come up with such a groundbreaking idea. Infantino would do a great job and everyone likes him."

In his opinion, Infantino can breathe new life into this vast administrative structure. He can build new bridges through sports and inspire young and poor people around the world.

Zampolli said, "The United Nations has to work with 193 member countries. FIFA also has more than 200 members. Gianni's record shows that he knows how to manage these things."

Trump has long been angry about the UN's inaction in dealing with major global conflicts. Last year, he created a new 'Board of Peace' led by the United States. In this, many thought he was creating an alternative organization to the United Nations. However, Trump rejected the idea. He said that he wanted the UN to take a more active role. During this time, he also brokered several agreements, including a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has significantly reduced US financial contributions to the UN. The US has withdrawn from many branch organizations, including the World Health Organization, UNESCO and the UN Human Rights Council.

If Infantino can be appointed to this position, Trump's relationship with the UN could improve. However, if he takes this position, Infantino's salary will be significantly reduced. His annual income at FIFA is about $6 million. The salary of the UN Secretary-General is said to be about $418,000.

Meanwhile, Infantino has already announced his candidacy for re-election as FIFA president. The election will be held next March.