EXPLAINER
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino joined the Summit for Peace in Egypt, marking another notable appearance alongside former US President Donald Trump.
Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, made an unexpected appearance at the Summit for Peace held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Monday. The event, primarily attended by global leaders and senior officials, saw Infantino standing out as a prominent figure from the sports world.
Photographs captured Infantino alongside the event’s co-chair, former US President Donald Trump, highlighting their continued public engagements during Trump’s second term.
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Here’s a detailed overview of Infantino’s involvement in the Egypt peace summit:
What prompted FIFA’s president to attend the Egypt Peace Summit?
Infantino revealed that his presence was due to an invitation from Trump, emphasizing FIFA’s commitment to supporting peace initiatives. He stated, “FIFA is ready to contribute and offer assistance in any way possible to ensure this peace process reaches a successful conclusion.”
This invitation came amid Infantino’s recent outspoken stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
In the days leading up to the summit, Infantino urged the football community to back peace efforts in the Middle East, especially ahead of World Cup qualifying matches involving Israel, which coincided with planned pro-Palestinian protests in stadiums across Norway and Italy.
Following the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas announced on Friday, Infantino commended the US-mediated deal and suggested that Trump deserved the Nobel Peace Prize for his pivotal role.
“President Trump’s involvement was essential and decisive. Without his leadership, peace would not have been achievable,” Infantino remarked.
How did Infantino contribute to the Summit for Peace?
During the summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Infantino highlighted football’s potential to inspire optimism and unity throughout the Middle East.
He committed FIFA to aiding the reconstruction of israel-football-uefa-gaza-conflict/” title=”Scholars Demand UEFA Ban …i Football Amid … Crisis: A Call for Justice in the …-Palestine Conflict”>football facilities in Gaza as part of broader post-conflict rebuilding efforts following the summit.
“Football must serve as a beacon of support, unity, and hope in this region. In Gaza and Palestine, FIFA will assist in restoring all football infrastructure. Together with the Palestinian Football Association, we aim to revive the sport across every community. We will provide equipment, construct pitches, train coaches, organize tournaments, and establish a dedicated fund to rebuild football in Palestine,” he announced.
Infantino also mentioned plans to introduce mini-pitches and “FIFA arenas,” inviting other stakeholders to collaborate, underscoring that “football offers hope to children, which is incredibly important.”
What defines the connection between Infantino and Trump?
Their relationship began in 2018 when Trump, then US President, met Infantino at the White House following the US securing co-hosting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
They have since shared platforms at various international events, including the 2020 World Economic Forum in Davos, where Infantino referred to Trump as “my great friend,” according to The Washington Post.
Even after Trump’s departure from office in early 2021, the two maintained contact. With Trump’s return to the presidency, coinciding with the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup hosted in the US, Infantino has been frequently seen alongside him.
Most recently, on August 22, Infantino was recorded inside the Oval Office presenting Trump with a gold replica of the World Cup trophy.
In late 2024, Infantino moved to Miami, Trump’s hometown, to better manage his responsibilities related to the North American World Cup, facilitating easier collaboration and public appearances with Trump.
