The US newspaper New York Post reported that US President Donald Trump would like to see Gianni Infantino, the current president of FIFA, as the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. According to the newspaper, Trump believes Infantino is respected by everyone in the world and has a special ability to unite people.

The news emerged after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The mandate of the current Secretary-General, Portuguese Antonio Guterres, expires in December.

The process of appointing the UN Secretary-General requires the agreement of the five permanent members of the Security Council and the approval of the General Assembly. The New York Post notes that it remains to be seen whether Infantino has any interest in the position and whether the matter has ever been discussed between him and Trump. It is also uncertain whether the FIFA president could obtain the necessary consensus from the Security Council and the General Assembly.

According to la Repubblica, Trump considers Infantino a more prominent and capable name compared to other candidates mentioned for the succession, including IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi of Argentina and former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet. This indication, however, is not confirmed by other sources.

Sources close to the White House cited by the New York Post, including Italian-American businessman Paolo Zampolli, expressed support for the idea.