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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Paul MacInnes

Fifa’s Gianni Infantino defends ‘crucial’ relationship with Donald Trump

Gianni Infantino pictured on a visit to the Oval Office in 2018
Gianni Infantino, pictured on a visit to the Oval Office in 2018, also attended Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. Photograph: Evan Vucci/AP

Gianni Infantino has defended his relationship with Donald Trump, saying proximity to the US president is “absolutely crucial” to the success of the 2026 World Cup.

Fifa’s president also defended the decision to award Saudi Arabia the World Cup in 2034 in rare remarks to the media while attending the International Football Association Board (Ifab) AGM in Belfast.

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