Trump and Infantino - too close for comfort?

"Staged just a mile from the White House, Friday's World Cup draw will have a distinctly political feel. The glittering ceremony will take place at the Kennedy Center, the famous Washington arts venue now chaired by US President Donald Trump after he overhauled its board this year. Alongside stars from football, US sports and show business, Trump will be in attendance, as will the leaders of the other two co-hosts - Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney."

"American disco group The Village People have been booked to play YMCA, a Trump favourite that is regularly heard at his campaign rallies. And, in a break with tradition, the draw ceremony will feature the awarding of a new Fifa Peace Prize, with Trump widely expected to be the recipient. Such gestures will only underline the alliance forged between the US president and Fifa counterpart Gianni Infantino, who announced the prize last month after claiming that Trump deserved to win the Nobel Peace Prize"

"They believe Infantino and Trump are effectively too close for comfort, and that it sends a message that world football's governing body is aligning with the Make America Great Again (Maga) movement, and endorsing what many feel is a divisive administration. Others, however, disagree. Asked about the new award, one senior Fifa official told BBC Sport: "Why can't this be bigger than the Nobel Peace Prize? Football has huge global support, so it's right that it recognises extraordinary efforts to bring about peace every year.""

The World Cup draw will be held at the Kennedy Center a mile from the White House, chaired by President Donald Trump after he overhauled its board. Trump, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend the glittering ceremony. The Village People will perform YMCA, a frequent Trump campaign song, and a new Fifa Peace Prize will be awarded, with Trump widely expected to be the recipient. Critics warn these moves threaten Fifa's political neutrality and risk turning the draw into propaganda. Supporters argue football should recognise extraordinary efforts to bring about peace.

Read at www.bbc.com