Exclusive: Donald Trump slammed by ex-FIFA official after Chelsea ‘gatecrash’
Chelsea’s Club World Cup victory was overshadowed by Donald Trump’s insistence on making the moment about himself, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that with the World Cup taking place in the USA next year, something similar was also likely to happen in that competition as well.
Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 win over PSG, becoming the first team in history to win all three European cup competitions and the CWC.
Cole Palmer proved himself once again to be the man for the big occasions, scoring twice in the opening half an hour.
Joao Pedro finished off the scoring as the Brazilian continued his spectacular start to his Chelsea career, before Marc Cucurella’s locks proved too tantalising for Joao Neves, and the Portuguese midfielder was sent off for yanking the Spaniard’s hair, whilst PSG coach Luis Enrique is also likely to face action after he appeared to strike the former Brighton forward.
However, despite the astonishing on-pitch result, the Blues’ performance became a secondary talking point after the US president, Trump, became involved in the celebrations.
Donald Trump steals the show as Chelsea crowned world champions
Trump’s presence at the MetLife Stadium unsurprisingly cast a long shadow on proceedings, given he is arguably the most powerful person in the world.
The US president appeared for the final, which will also be where the 2026 World Cup final takes place next summer.
The businessman turned politician has a long-running relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and the governing body has just opened an office in Trump Tower [The Athletic].
And during the medal and trophy presentation, Trump was on hand not only to hand out the prizes for Chelsea’s victory, but the 79-year-old was also front and present as Reece James held the somewhat garish CWC trophy aloft, despite the Blues’ captain querying if the politician planned to leave the stage, and bemused reactions from Palmer.
When asked by members of the press about the president’s presence during the Blues’ special moment, Palmer revealed he was somewhat confused as to why the USA’s leader had joined in with the celebration.
Following the final, Chelsea shared a photo of the team celebrating their victory over PSG on Instagram with Trump edited out of the picture, but Hackett suspects FIFA will be overjoyed by his involvement.
Keith Hackett explains Donald Trump and FIFA relationship
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett explained why Trump was in attendance for the final and what to expect when the World Cup takes place next year.
“I believe that FIFA will be more than delighted that President Trump was present at the final.
“With the upcoming World Cup to be played in the USA, Canada and Mexico, they want the full support of the White House.
“FIFA want to continue to grow the game across the USA and to compete with other sports.
“Trump clearly gatecrashed the celebrations, and I guess he will likely do the same next year. Trump, with the game broadcast across the World, will grab every opportunity to promote himself.”