FIFA has opened a new office at Trump Tower in New York City, with president Gianni Infantino making the announcement at an event attended by Eric Trump and Brazilian football legend Ronaldo.
The ceremony took place on Monday evening in the lobby of the Fifth Avenue skyscraper, where the Club World Cup trophy was placed on display until Sunday's final at MetLife Stadium.
The move represents FIFA's continued expansion of its United States operations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the country will co-host.
It follows the opening of FIFA's Miami office last year, which houses the organisation's legal department and staff responsible for both the Club World Cup and next year's World Cup.
Gianni Infantino has moved a FIFA office into Donald Trump's tower
Reuters
Infantino emphasised FIFA's global strategy during the announcement, stating: "FIFA [is] a global organisation [and] to be global, you have to be local.
"You have to be everywhere, so we have to be in New York – not just for the FIFA Club World Cup this year and the FIFA World Cup next year – we have to be in New York as well when it comes to where our offices are based."
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The FIFA president thanked President Trump, whom he described as "a big fan of soccer", along with "the whole family" for their support.
He highlighted the backing received from "the government and from the President with the White House Task Force for the FIFA Club World Cup and for the FIFA World Cup next year".
Eric Trump responded warmly to the partnership, declaring: "On behalf of myself, on behalf of New York, on behalf of the Trump Organization and everybody that works in this building — we love you.
"We're honoured, we're excited about all the things that FIFA is doing."
The Trump Tower office opening deepens an increasingly close relationship between FIFA and the US administration.
Infantino has described his relationship with Trump as "absolutely crucial" in a meeting with the International Football Association Board in February.
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Gianni Infantino has made multiple public appearances alongside Donald Trump
Reuters
The FIFA president has made multiple appearances with Trump at public events, including at the Oval Office when announcing the creation of a World Cup task force.
During that meeting, Infantino presented Trump with the Club World Cup trophy, which has remained on display in the Oval Office for the president's scheduled events.
Infantino also accompanied Trump on a trip to the Middle East this year, which made him late for the FIFA congress in Paraguay and angered delegates who walked out in protest.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about FIFA's deepening ties with the Trump administration, warning that the organisation risks becoming a "public relations tool to whitewash the reputation of an increasingly authoritarian government".
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PAIn a letter sent to Infantino, 90 groups urged him to call on the Trump administration to reverse immigration policies that currently restrict entry rights for citizens from 19 countries, including Iran, who have already qualified for next year's World Cup.
Campaign groups have specifically warned that a US immigration crackdown has impacted attendances at the Club World Cup.
Human Rights Watch has expressed "grave concerns" about how border policies could affect the tournament, even urging Infantino to "be prepared to reconsider the hosting decision" if risks to players and fans cannot be mitigated.
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