FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended his controversial alliance with President Donald Trump saying that it is critical for the success of upcoming World Cup.
Mr. Infantino was quoted last week in Miami praising President Donald Trump for promoting peace and unity during a meeting where the US President termed Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a ‘dictator’.
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The FIFA boss has also opened door for Russia to return from the FIFA ban saying that ‘We want to have all the countries playing.’
The two leaders are expected to discuss matters diversion and inclusion which stands out as the major mission for FIFA.
They also talked about the new 32-team men’s Club World Cup coming in summer and the expanded  48-country men’s World Cup set for 2026.
“I think it is absolutely crucial for the success of a World Cup to have a close relationship with the president,” said Mr. Infantino.
At the same time, Trump was quoted before during his inauguration ceremony ordering sports not to allow transgender women from competing in women’s sports as he threatened to block their visas.
FIFA has however not adopted the ban but has placed the matter under review so as to have a gender eligibility policy in place first.
