""It's two massive egos stroking each other," said a former U.S. Soccer official, who asked that their name not be used to avoid possible reprisal. "I assume Infantino's ulterior motive is to get the most possible support from the government and make sure Trump, despite some unhelpful comments, does nothing to interfere with the tournament. "For Trump, the opportunity to claim credit for hosting the world's biggest sporting event in front of worldwide audience is irresistible.""
""The so-called FIFA Peace Prize didn't exist five weeks ago. And when Infantino created it, there were never any candidates for the award beyond Trump, who has campaigned hard but unsuccessfully for a Nobel Peace Prize. "You definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize for your action, for what you have obtained in your way," Infantino said as Trump grabbed his medal and draped it around his own neck.""
About 30 minutes into the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, President Donald Trump was called on stage to receive a newly created FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA chief Gianni Infantino. The prize did not exist five weeks earlier and was created with Trump as the sole candidate, who has sought a Nobel Peace Prize. The presentation made many attendees feel awkward while Infantino and Trump embraced the moment and exchanged praise. Observers described the relationship as mutual ego-stroking aimed at securing government support and preventing interference with the tournament. FIFA defended Infantino as maintaining necessary relations with host-country leaders.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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