Donald Trump branded ‘cowardly’ during World Cup chants
The World Cup controversy comes despite Trump’s close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who warmly welcomed him during the run-up to the tournament.
Infantino presented Trump with FIFA’s first-ever Peace Prize during the World Cup draw, underscoring the governing body’s efforts to maintain strong ties with the White House.
Weeks later, however, Trump authorized military strikes on Iran, prompting criticism from opponents who questioned the timing of the grant.
Our Washington source said: “People within Trump’s inner circle are becoming increasingly nervous about how the tournament could develop, especially if England or Scotland put together a strong run and attract bigger audiences and more media attention.
“Football supporters are a very different breed from the crowd politicians are used to dealing with. They are loud, ruthless and largely indifferent whether a chant is considered politically sensitive or diplomatically clumsy.
“The concern is that if any of the home nations go deep in the competition, the number of supporters singing anti-Trump chants will only grow. Advisers know that once these chants catch on, they can spread through a stadium in minutes.
“The prospect of the president finding himself at the center of such an atmosphere is causing significant anxiety among the staff charged with managing his public appearances.”
