FIFA President Stuns World By Joining Trump At Gaza Peace Summit In Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh – Here’s Why | World News

Cairo (Egypt): FIFA President Gianni Infantino joined US President Donald Trump at the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday, to the surprise of observers who expected only political leaders and top diplomats at the Red Sea resort.

Cameras caught the two together, adding to a series of recent public appearances during the US president’s second term. So why was the FIFA president at the top?

Infantino announced that Trump personally invited him. “FIFA, we are here to help, we are ready to do everything we can to ensure that this peace process comes to fruition and achieves the best possible outcome,” he said.

He has become increasingly vocal about the Israel-Gaza conflict. Last week, he called on football to support peace in the Middle East ahead of World Cup qualifiers involving Israel, while pro-Palestinian demonstrations were planned in Norway and Italy.

Following Friday’s Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Infantino praised the US-brokered deal and nominated Trump for a potential Nobel Peace Prize.

“President Trump’s role in this process is absolutely fundamental and vital. There would be no peace without President Trump,” he said.

Infantino’s Role in Sharm El Sheikh

At the top, Infantino positioned football as the power of hope. He pledged his support to FIFA in rebuilding Gaza’s football infrastructure as part of the post-war recovery.

“The role of football should be to support, unite, give hope to the region. Of course, we will help rebuild all football facilities in Gaza and Palestine. Together with the Palestine Football Federation, we will help bring football back to every corner of the country. (We will bring football, build fields, bring trainers, help organize competitions, launch a fund to help rebuild) football infrastructure in Palestine,” he said.

He added that FIFA would provide mini-fields and “FIFA arenas” and would invite other partners to join the effort. “Football gives hope to children and this is very, very important,” he said.

Infantino-Trump Connection

Infantino first met Trump at the White House in 2018, after the United States was awarded the right to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Infantino’s public appearances continued, including a joint appearance at the 2020 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he called Trump “my great friend.”

The two stayed in touch after the US president left office in 2021. During Trump’s second presidency, coinciding with the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States in June, Infantino was seen with Trump several times. On August 22, Infantino was filmed presenting Trump with a golden replica of the World Cup trophy in the Oval Office.

In late 2024, the FIFA president moved to Trump’s hometown of Miami to stay close to North American World Cup events and provide easy access to future joint matches.